Sign the Petition: Tell Texas Governor Greg Abbott to Support Worker Protections from Extreme Heat

The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 13, will take away critical worker protections. Countless workers will labor in extreme heat, to the detriment of their well-being and health, and to the detriment of the businesses they work for.

Worker protections including a heat standard will create resilient workers and resilient supply chains.

La Isla Network believes that a heat protection standard should be the modus operandi in all supply chains. Over a decade of research has shown that a standard should revolve around adequate water, rest, shade, and sanitation.

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La Isla Network
info@laislanetwork.org
July 17, 2023
The Honorable Greg Abbott
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Subject: Support Worker Protections from Extreme Heat

Dear Greg Abbott,

We are writing to communicate our concern about the recently-passed bill HB 2127, or the “Texas Regulatory Consistency Act.” Once the law goes into effect, critical local regulations that have protected workers from extreme heat will become null and void, thus leaving countless workers exposed to relentless heat. This is especially concerning as Texas experiences an unprecedented heat wave.

At La Isla Network we are deeply grateful for the individuals who put food on our tables, construct our buildings, and form our essential workforce. Their dedication and hard work ensure the smooth functioning of our society. However, it is disheartening to learn that workers exposed to extreme and prolonged heat face significant workplace hazards, impacting their health and well-being.

That’s why since 2011 we have been generating research that shows the deadly toll of heat exposure on workers in the absence of water, rest, shade, and sanitation. Though we are disheartened at this decision, and we recognize that countless workers will suffer, we want to reassure you that La Isla Network has the capability to address this problem. Let us be clear: there is value in putting in place regulations to protect workers, not only for their health but also for businesses. Regulations create resilient supply chains, which in turn generate long-term capital benefits. We urge you to not forget the critical importance of investing in human capital.

We kindly request your support to protect workers from heat and other occupational safety and health hazards by considering the following actions:

  1. Advocate for a state-wide standard that strengthens worker protections against workplace hazards arising from extreme heat and an increasingly uncertain climate.
  2. Disseminate information and raise awareness about the occupational safety and health hazards arising from prolonged exposure to heat.
  3. Visit workplace environments where workers might be subjected to the occupational safety and health hazards arising from prolonged heat, such as construction zones, factories, agricultural fields, etc.
  4. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including medical researchers, private sector partners, and public officials, to develop effective policies and strategies to safeguard workers’ health and well-being.
  5. Support initiatives that ensure comprehensive protection for farmworkers, including those in the H2-A visa programs and undocumented workers.
  6. Bolster the Texas Department of Insurance by increasing its capacity — through additional personnel, money, and other resources — to address heat-related occupational injuries in a swift and decisive manner.

We are interested in knowing your viewpoint on this matter and your intended stance on relevant legislation. Additionally, we would greatly appreciate any information you can provide about your plans to support workers moving forward.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. If you require any further information or would like to discuss this matter in more detail, please feel free to contact us at info@laislanetwork.org.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,


La Isla Network