The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the average high temperature in July in Phoenix is nearly 106 degrees. With the summer season approaching fast, it is crucial that all employees who work outdoors are properly prepared for the risk. They should always be supported and protected by their employer. Notably, Phoenix now has outdoor safety regulations for employees under city contracts. Here, our Phoenix workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of the local heat safety rules, state heat safety regulations, and your options after an incident.
Summer Heat in Arizona is a Very Serious Safety Hazard
Arizona’s extreme summer heat is more than just uncomfortable—it can be outright dangerous (even deadly) for outdoor workers. With temperatures often soaring well above 100°F, those who work outside in construction, landscaping, agriculture, delivery, and other industries are at high risk for heat-related illnesses. Some of the most common medical complications include:
- Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms that occur during or after intense physical activity in the heat. These cramps are often caused by loss of electrolytes and fluids.
- Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Symptoms include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness.
- Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related illness, heat stroke, is a medical emergency. It happens when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, leading to confusion, unconsciousness, or even death. It is a serious medical emergency.
An Overview of Phoenix City Code § 18-411 (Heat Safety for City Contractor Workers)
In March of 2024, city officials in Phoenix passed a new safety law designed to protect outdoor workers who are working under city contracts. Specifically, Phoenix City Code § 18-411 mandates that contractors and subcontractors engaged in city contracts, leases, or licenses implement comprehensive heat safety and mitigation plans to protect outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries. Here are some notable requirements of local law:
- Hydration: Covered employers must provide workers with free, sanitized, cool drinking water at accessible locations during high heat.
- Rest Breaks: Covered employers must make an allowance for regular and necessary breaks for hydration for outdoor workers.
- Shade and Cooling: Covered employers must ensure that workers have access to shaded areas and air-conditioned spaces for relief from heat.
- Vehicle Air Conditioning (New Rule): By May 1st, 2025, covered employers must ensure that all enclosed vehicles used by workers are equipped with working air conditioning.
Arizona Does Not Have a Statewide Specific Outdoor Heat Safety Standard
It is important to emphasize that Arizona does not currently have any state-specific heat safety regulations for outdoor workers. Some other states—including California—do have rules in place. There have been some efforts at legislative reform, but nothing has been passed to this point. Instead, Arizona currently relies on the General Duty Clause from the OSHA Act of 1970. That law holds that employers have a duty to ensure that the workplace is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” Among other things, this includes protecting workers from excessive heat, but the clause is broad and non-specific. Without a detailed state standard, enforcement often depends on whether employers take proactive steps to recognize and mitigate heat risks.
Steps to Bring Workers’ Comp Claim for Heat-Related Illness in Arizona
Did you or your loved one suffer a heat-related illness in Arizona? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your rights and your interests. Here are three steps to take after an outdoor worker suffers a heat-related medical impairment:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: If you experience symptoms of a heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, or fainting, seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications. Seeing a doctor will also create a medical record that supports your workers’ comp claim.
- Notify Your Employer: Arizona law requires injured workers to notify their employer as soon as possible after a workplace injury or illness. You should tell your supervisor or manager about your condition and how it relates to heat exposure on the job. You should also be sure to report the incident in writing to create a clear record.
- File for Workers’ Comp Benefits: All workers in Arizona have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. In Arizona, this typically involves submitting a Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). Your employer or medical provider may help initiate this process, but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure the claim is filed. An attorney can help.
You may run into issues during the workers’ comp claims process for a number of different reasons. Injured workers do not have to take on their employer or an insurance carrier alone. Whether your claim has been delayed or denied, an experienced Phoenix workers’ comp lawyer can help.
Arizona’s Work Injury Firm is a Leader in Workers’ Comp in Arizona
Workers’ comp claims are complicated, particularly so for outdoor workers who have suffered a heat injury. At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, we are strong, experienced advocates for people who were injured or made ill on the job. With a commitment to justice, our Arizona workers’ comp lawyers are more than ready to go the extra mile for clients. You can set up a free, fully private, and zero-obligation consultation with our law firm.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top Phoenix Workers’ Comp Lawyer
At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, our Phoenix workers’ compensation attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one suffers from an outdoor heat illness, we can help. Injured workers need the maximum compensation. Call us at 602-532-4985 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Phoenix, we fight for the rights of outdoor workers in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.