Lack of regulations for outdoor workers leads to hazardous work environments

Florida Matters

When extreme weather hits Florida, the destruction can be immense. Hurricane Idalia caused $3.6 million in damage when it barreled into the Big Bend last year. That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s estimates. Cleaning it up is tough, dirty and dangerous work. The workers are often left without adequate protection as they deal with toxic mold, dust and other hazardous environments. On this episode of Florida Matters we talk with journalist María Inés Zamudio about her reporting on the dangerous conditions facing immigrant workers doing disaster restoration work. We also talk with WUSF's Jessica Meszaros about another group of workers in Florida: people whose jobs are outside, like farmworkers and construction workers. With the summer heat approaching, we look at the potential impact of a new law that bans local governments from mandating heat protections like shade and water breaks for outdoor workers.