Miami-Dade Commissioners Fail to Ensure Protection for Outdoor Workers
Miami-Dade County, known for its scorching summers, has failed to pass a much-needed proposal that would guarantee legal protections for agriculture and construction workers who labor under the intense sun. The proposal, which aimed to provide workers with necessary breaks and access to water, has faced pushback from powerful industries. Unfortunately, it seems that the votes needed for its final approval are lacking.
This setback is a cause for concern, given the record-breaking heat that engulfed Miami-Dade this summer, making it the hottest month ever recorded in Miami. The need for swift action to safeguard the lives and well-being of outdoor workers cannot be overstated.
The Que Calor! campaign, organized by WeCount, a group advocating for the heat standard bill, has been lobbying for these protections for two years. However, despite the initial support the ordinance received from the Community Health Committee, things have changed. The bill, spearheaded by Commissioner Kionne McGhee, would mandate 10-minute shaded breaks every two hours when the heat index reaches 90 degrees, as well as train workers to recognize signs of heat illness and administer first-aid.
However, Commissioner Raquel Regalado believes that the bill needs further fine-tuning and a feasibility study to comprehensively address concerns raised by both workers and the industries affected. Regalado highlights the need for more data to understand the potential impact of the measure on these industries, leaving key questions unanswered.
The lack of clarity regarding who would shoulder fines is one of the main points of contention. For instance, subcontractors or individual workers hired by construction companies could potentially be held responsible, raising complex issues. Commissioner McGhee acknowledges the need for negotiation between industry and labor groups before the final vote, but it is disheartening that these uncertainties were not resolved earlier.
Opponents of the measure argue that it duplicates regulations already imposed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, the changing climate in South Florida demands stronger measures to protect workers. The intensity of the heat poses a serious risk to their lives and underscores the need for immediate action.
While Miami-Dade County may be known as the Sunshine State, the reality is that the sun’s rays are not always favorable. It is crucial that the commission prioritizes the well-being and safety of outdoor workers, working towards a fair and viable ordinance that will effectively shield them from the hazards of extreme heat. At a time when worker protection and public health are paramount, it is imperative to act swiftly and decisively.
