Severe Heat Wave Threatens Lives
As predicted, Big Oil is ruining the Fourth of July
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A historic heat wave is creeping across the central and eastern U.S. this week and has already subjected over 130 million Americans to moderate to severe heat risk conditions. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, millions more will face dangerous and prolonged heat—made even more intense by concurrently high humidity.
In response, Aaron Regunberg, director of Public Citizen’s Climate Accountability Project, issued the following statement:
“Big Oil is ruining our summer. Extreme heat will make the Fourth of July miserable for hundreds of millions of Americans. This historic heat wave didn’t just happen—it’s the result of climate pollution and climate deception by Big Oil. Decades ago, companies like Exxon were discussing the research connecting climate change with ‘suffering and death due to thermal extremes.’ Despite knowing that their conduct would cause such disasters, they orchestrated campaigns of denial to lock us into this lethal heat. Now, countless Fourth of July celebrations are likely going to be ruined for millions of families across the country. And for many Americans, the costs of this life-threatening heat will be much greater.”
And A’Ishah Johnson, worker health and safety advocate with Public Citizen’s Congress Watch, issued the following statement:
“Extreme heat can keep workers off the job, overwhelm hospitals, and disrupt the supply chains the country relies on. When this happens, it weakens the systems that keep America running and safe. Workers who build, harvest, deliver, and maintain essential services often work outdoors or in unair-conditioned warehouses, exposing them to significant health risks from extreme heat. Despite these dangers, there is still no federal rule requiring employers to protect workers. Congress must act now to establish strong, enforceable heat protections to safeguard the lives of working people.”
“Workers and employers can take simple steps to stay safe. Drink 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. Scheduled breaks in shaded or in air conditioned areas, along with adjustments to work and rest times are critical to allow for adequate cooling. For new or returning employees, a gradual increase in exposure to heat over a period 7 to 14 days is recommended to facilitate acclimatization. Watching for warning signs such as excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, or confusion is necessary, and a buddy system should be established to support early identification of heat stress. It is important to note that the law protects workers from retaliation if they raise workplace safety concerns.”
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