The city of Phoenix recently approved an ordinance to amend how to respond to heat-related injuries and illnesses. The newest updates come as workers from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport aired their grievances about working under the sun during a city council meeting.
Several people attended the meeting to share their concerns related to working in the heat. They complained about not having air conditioning in vehicles and facing retaliation for bringing up the heat issues.
Worker Trina David says the intense weather is a major problem.
“We don't have access to available shade because we need to park these airplanes and get you guys off where you need to be as soon as possible. So the heat crisis is real. Dry heat is real. It is a convection oven,” she said.
City of Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky says measures would be taken to ensure air conditioning blows in vehicles.
In a statement to KJZZ News, an airport spokesperson said it appreciated the city council’s action to enhance the ordinance and make it easier for employees to report issues.
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Arizona has never had statewide regulations to protect workers from extreme heat. Neighboring California does have a workplace heat safety standard. A new study says California's policy saves lives. -
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