Death on the Job: Texas Workers in the Heat

John Guerrero Jr.'s first day on a construction site in Austin, Texas was his last. The 46-year-old died of heat stroke after working in 96-degree heat with no shade. Despite having water and Gatorade, Guerrero was not trained on identifying heat illness symptoms, an OSHA inspector noted.

Heat exposure is among the top causes of worker deaths, yet federal action has been slow. Experts have urged OSHA to act since 1972. A proposed rule by the Biden admin and supported by Rep. Greg Casar would require rest, shade, and water when the heat index reaches 80 degrees. Employers would provide training and emergency response plans, which could've saved Guerrero and others.

Finalizing the rule could take years. OSHA reports reveal the Texas heat's deadly toll:

• Jose Armando Tobar, 63, fell to his death while roofing in Ennis. OSHA blamed heat exhaustion.
• Jorge Gomez, 49, died of heat-related heart failure after framing a house in Liberty Hill.
• Gabriel Infante, 24, dug cables under the San Antonio sun. He collapsed and an OSHA report cited a 110-degree body temperature.
• Christopher Strickland, 31, dug trenches and laid pipes in San Angelo, ultimately collapsing from heat stroke.
• Eugene Gates, a 66-year-old postal carrier in Dallas, succumbed to heat-exacerbated heart condition.
• Eloy Maldonado Valdez, 59, handled cinder blocks in Rockport, then laid down in the shade and never got up.

As Texas summers grow hotter, OSHA must act faster to protect workers from the heat.

Originally published in the Austin Statesman, by Brandi Grument.