As temperatures climb and climate concerns intensify, Tucson has made a decisive move to protect its workforce from the dangers of extreme heat. Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council have embraced a Heat Action Roadmap and a Heat Protection Ordinance to shield city contractors from the soaring mercury levels that have become a hallmark of the region's summers. The newly adopted measures are a component of the broader Tucson Resilient Together, the city's climate adaptation strategy, focusing on informing, preparing, and protecting residents.
The directive from September 2023 by Mayor and Council to develop these protections was a response to the pressing need for heat-related illness prevention for City of Tucson workers. Included are mandatory supervisor and manager training in all City departments to ensure these heat-protection protocols are effectively implemented. According to the official statement, Mayor Regina Romero holds the issue close to heart, citing her firsthand experiences of extreme heat's impact on agricultural workers in her hometown.
The imperative for Tucson to take action has never been more clear. With summers increasingly brutal — the city experienced a record-breaking number of days above 110°F in 2023 — the health risks are palpable, especially for those most susceptible, such as children, seniors, and the homeless. "Adopting the Heat Action Roadmap marks a significant milestone for Tucson, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding Tucsonans against the escalating challenges of extreme heat. This Roadmap outlines practical short-term solutions and builds capacity for long-term resilience, reflecting our commitment to fostering a thriving, sustainable city for all,” City of Tucson Manager Timothy Thomure said in an article announcing the plan.
Tucson's push for these regulations highlights a gap in federal oversight; currently, no federal laws explicitly protect workers from extreme heat. OSHA provides recommended practices, such as frequent short breaks, but stops short of mandating rest periods to prevent heat-related illnesses. Despite the Federal government's 2021 announcement introducing heat safety rules to OSHA, the snail-paced nature of federal rulemaking means relief on that level could be years away. Meanwhile, Tucson's Worker Heat Protection Ordinance takes a concrete step towards immediate amelioration.
City of Tucson Chief Resilience Officer Fatima Luna commended the joint efforts of different community members and sectors. In her words, "I am honored to have collaborated with community members across sectors to develop the City of Tucson’s Heat Action Roadmap and Worker Heat Protection Ordinance. I look forward to continued coordination with local and regional partners to provide heat relief this summer and enhance our community’s ability to cope with extreme heat into the future, especially for those most vulnerable."
