Heat-Related Mortality Found Higher in Certain Occupations
New research shows military, farming, and construction jobs saw higher death rates due to heat from 2021 to 2023.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Employment
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A study analyzing data from 2021 to 2023 identified 2,035 heat-related deaths among working-age adults in the United States. Military, farming, and construction sectors reported significantly higher mortality rates compared to the national average.
Why it matters
Understanding the specific occupations at risk is essential for developing targeted safety interventions and regulatory protections. The data highlights a critical need for improved workplace surveillance to better track and prevent heat-related fatalities.
The study utilized National Vital Statistics System and National Occupational Mortality Surveillance data to identify an age-adjusted national mortality rate of 0.3 deaths per 100,000 working-age adults.
The players
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
This federal agency is currently drafting a rule aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries in the workplace.
The details
Military occupations faced a heat-related mortality rate of 1.6 per 100,000, while farming and construction roles saw rates of 1.1 per 100,000. Cardiovascular conditions were the primary cause in 68.4% of deaths where heat was a contributing factor, with Hispanic workers in farming and construction showing higher odds of fatality.
Timeline
The study analyzed mortality data spanning from 2021 to 2023.
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported on heat deaths during 2023.
OSHA proposed a federal heat injury and illness prevention rule in August 2024.
A public hearing regarding the proposed heat rule concluded in July 2025.
The post-hearing comment period for the OSHA rule closed in October 2025.
Macro View
This study provides a statistical baseline for the risks that OSHA's proposed federal heat injury and illness prevention rule aims to address through new workplace requirements.
Workers in high-risk sectors may soon see improved workplace safety standards if the pending federal heat prevention rule is finalized. These changes could mandate better access to water, rest, and shade for employees in physically demanding outdoor environments.
The takeaway
Occupational health experts suggest that consistent safety protocols are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with rising heat exposure. Employers should evaluate their current climate-mitigation strategies to ensure they are adequately protecting vulnerable personnel.
Further reading
For more information on labor safety trends, visit the United States Employment section.
More information
View the ongoing progress of federal regulations on the OSHA heat exposure rulemaking page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ajmc.
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Should the federal government mandate stricter workplace safety standards to prevent heat-related illness for outdoor workers?
