At least 384 workers have died from heart exposure in the United States over the last decade.
Beginning tomorrow and continuing into next week, Texas Standard is broadcasting an in-depth look at the issue of Texas workers dying from heat exposure.
The investigation is being conducted in partnership between Columbia Journalism Investigations, NPR and the Texas Newsroom.
Joining Texas Standard with a preview of the series is Cheryl W. Thompson, investigative correspondent for NPR; and Fernanda Camarena, senior editor with The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration with NPR and Texas member stations.
“We got a pretty complete and comprehensive view of the problem,” Thompson said. “The Occupational Safety and Health Administration … has the responsibility to protect works from hazards. And it has failed to create national standard to protect workers from rapidly rising temperatures.”
“At least 53 workers have died in the brutal Texas heat since 2010,” Camarena said, adding “we’re talking mostly about workers of color.”
What you’ll hear about in this interview:
– The failings of a current safety system
– “Repeat offender” companies that have seen more than one death
– The call for federal standards protecting workers from heat exhaustion
