Phoenix, Arizona, just made a big decision to help outdoor workers stay safe in the scorching heat. The city council voted unanimously, meaning everyone agreed, to pass a new rule. This rule says that companies that have contracts with the city must make sure their outdoor workers have ways to cool down, rest, and stay hydrated. It also says they need to train their workers to recognize when it’s too hot and might be dangerous.

This rule will affect many workers in Phoenix who spend their days outside, like construction workers and those at the airport. These workers face tough conditions, especially when it’s really hot. For instance, Filiberto Lares, who works at Sky Harbor airport, shared that the heat on the airport’s tarmac, where planes park, can be unbearable during the summer.

One important part of the rule is making sure workers have access to air conditioning, even in their work vehicles.

This is especially crucial for people like truck drivers who spend long hours driving in the heat. The city estimates that around 10,000 workers will benefit from this rule.

The decision to pass this rule comes after recognizing that extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous, especially for certain groups of people. Phoenix, being one of the hottest cities in the U.S., faces this problem intensely. And it’s not just about the weather; factors like a lack of trees and shade make it even hotter. This affects everyone but hits communities of color particularly hard. Many outdoor workers are Black or Hispanic, and they make up a large portion of those affected by extreme heat.

Last summer, Phoenix saw record-breaking temperatures, with over a month of days above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Tragically, hundreds of people died from the heat, and most of those deaths happened outdoors. Surprisingly, there’s no official record of how many of those deaths were related to people working outside.

Katelyn Parady, who works with an organization focused on occupational safety, explains how brutal the heat can be for workers. Many experience symptoms like dizziness and vomiting because of the extreme temperatures. Until now, there haven’t been specific rules in place to protect these workers.

While the new rule aims to safeguard workers, not everyone was on board. Some in the construction industry, for example, opposed it. They argued that there are already federal rules in place that cover this issue, so city rules are unnecessary.

However, the reality is that there aren’t any federal standards specifically for protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat. This makes the Phoenix rule all the more important. It sets an example for other places facing similar challenges. In fact, while Phoenix is taking steps forward, some other states are going backward, making it harder to set local rules to protect workers from heat.

Councilwoman Laura Pastor, who supported the new rule, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the safety of outdoor workers, especially as summers get hotter. She believes this is a crucial step toward making sure everyone in Phoenix can stay safe and healthy, even in the blazing heat.