Latin American and Caribbean Migrants Face Extreme Heat Risks in Florida
As Florida’s extreme heat poses significant health risks, Latin American and Caribbean migrants working outdoors are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive protective measures.
Florida’s scorching sun and warm climate attract tourists and new residents year-round. However, for nearly half a million outdoor workers, many of whom are Latin American and Caribbean migrants, the relentless heat poses a severe health threat. These workers in diverse roles, such as landscaping, construction, and agriculture, need adequate protection to avoid heightened risks. The lack of state and federal mandates and new laws preventing local regulations leave the responsibility of safeguarding these workers to their employers.
According to an analysis by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI), approximately 490,710 Floridians work outdoor jobs. These roles are critical to the state’s economy, with the top three outdoor industries being construction, amusement and recreation, and landscaping. Yet, these workers are exposed to extreme heat daily, with Florida recording the highest numbers of heat-related illnesses in the United States. Between 2018 and 2022, the state saw over 31,000 emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses.
The majority of these outdoor workers, predominantly Latin American and Caribbean migrants, often take on physically demanding jobs under harsh conditions. These workers, due to various factors such as lack of access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and minimal legal protections, are particularly vulnerable. The fear of retaliation often prevents them from reporting unsafe working conditions, further exacerbating their risk of heat-related illnesses.
Impact on Latin American and Caribbean Migrants
Latin American and Caribbean migrants constitute a significant portion of Florida’s outdoor workforce. In the agricultural sector, for instance, a large number of workers are migrants who have few legal protections and face barriers such as language differences and limited access to healthcare. These factors contribute to their increased vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.
The construction industry employs a substantial number of migrants. The work is physically demanding and often performed under direct sunlight. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can impair cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents in an environment fraught with hazards such as heavy machinery and elevated surfaces. This risk is compounded for workers who are not acclimatized to Florida’s extreme heat, which can be deadly even at relatively moderate temperatures.
Florida’s extreme heat affects a significant portion of its population, with 5,750,273 Floridians (26.2 percent) being highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. In 20 counties, more than a third of residents fall into this category, highlighting the widespread impact of extreme temperatures. The U.S. Census Bureau data underlines the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective interventions.
Amusement and Recreation Workers
Another sector heavily reliant on migrant labor is the amusement and recreation industry. Florida’s world-renowned amusement parks attract millions of tourists annually and employ thousands of outdoor workers. These employees, who include ride attendants, maintenance workers, and concession staff, spend long hours in the heat, often with limited access to shade and hydration.
Despite the well-documented risks, protections for these workers are minimal. Unions have made some progress in negotiating better conditions, such as access to water and rest breaks, but these measures are only sometimes applied. Recent legislative changes have further complicated efforts to protect these workers. In 2024, Florida passed a law preventing local governments from enacting their heat protection ordinances, leaving workers at the mercy of their employer’s policies.
Florida’s high rate of heat-related illnesses underscores the urgency of the situation. Between 2018 and 2022, the state led the nation with 31,011 emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses. These figures highlight the need for comprehensive protective measures to safeguard outdoor workers.
Agricultural Workers
Agricultural workers, many of whom are undocumented migrants, face some of the harshest working conditions. They perform strenuous tasks such as picking crops, operating farm machinery, and tending to livestock, often in extreme heat. These workers are particularly vulnerable due to their precarious legal status, which limits their ability to advocate for better conditions or seek medical attention when needed.
The Florida Department of Health estimates that the state has as many as 200,000 seasonal and independent agricultural workers. However, the actual number is complex due to the work’s transient nature and the high proportion of undocumented workers. These workers often live in substandard housing without air conditioning, exacerbating their exposure to heat-related illnesses.
Health Risks and Economic Impact
Heat-related illnesses (HRI) encompass a range of conditions, from heat rash and heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke. The risk of HRI increases significantly when the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This threshold is frequently surpassed for outdoor workers in Florida, especially during the summer months.
The economic impact of heat-related illnesses is substantial. Reduced productivity due to heat stress costs Florida an estimated $11 billion annually. Workers who suffer from HRI often require medical treatment, which can lead to financial instability, especially for those without health insurance. Additionally, repeated exposure to extreme heat can result in long-term health issues, further diminishing a worker’s capacity to earn a living, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Calls for Policy Change
Advocates, including labor rights organizations and public health groups, argue that Florida urgently needs comprehensive heat protection policies. The state has taken some steps to address the issue, such as the Zachary Martin Act, which mandates heat illness prevention protocols for student-athletes. However, similar protections for outdoor workers still need to be improved.
Experts suggest several measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. These include mandatory rest breaks, access to shade and water, and training for employers and employees on recognizing and preventing heat stress. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends acclimatizing workers gradually to high temperatures and providing immediate medical attention for heat-related symptoms.
Stopping the preemption of local ordinances is also crucial. Local governments are better positioned to address the specific needs of their communities, and allowing them to implement heat protection measures could significantly reduce the incidence of HRI among outdoor workers.
Cultural and Economic Barriers
Addressing heat-related illnesses among Latin American and Caribbean migrants involves overcoming cultural and economic barriers. Many migrants are reluctant to use personal protective equipment (PPE) that could help mitigate heat exposure due to cultural norms or cost. Employers must provide appropriate PPE and educate workers on its importance to ensure widespread adoption.
Additionally, language barriers and a lack of trust in authorities can prevent migrant workers from seeking help or reporting unsafe conditions. Outreach programs that provide information in workers’ native languages and build trust within the community are essential for improving compliance with heat protection measures.
The plight of Latin American and Caribbean migrants working in Florida’s extreme heat underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy changes. Protecting these workers is a matter of public health, economic stability, and social justice.
Florida can significantly reduce the incidence of heat-related illnesses by implementing robust heat protection standards, allowing local governments to address specific community needs, and providing education and resources to both employers and workers. Ensuring the health and safety of outdoor workers will help sustain the state’s economy and improve the quality of life for its most vulnerable residents.
Also read:Latin American Migrants’ Innovations Transform U.S. Urban Living
As the climate continues to warm, outdoor workers’ challenges will only intensify. Florida must act now to protect its workforce and set an example for other states grappling with similar issues. By taking proactive steps, Florida can ensure that its economic growth does not come at the expense of the health and well-being of its workers.
