“A tale of two workers: Heat deaths on the job provoke differing responses in Oregon, Idaho”

…Perez’s death in Oregon provoked quick action from Oregon’s governor and lawmakers, who implemented stricter rules for employers during extreme heat…

Since then, heat-related worker deaths in the state have gone down dramatically.

The reaction to Booth’s death in Idaho was much different, reflecting political resistance…

…Latino workers and other people of color are far more likely to suffer heat-related deaths and illnesses on the job…Some states like California, Oregon and Washington have passed strict protections for workers in high temperatures that go beyond federal standards. But Idaho, which has over 100,000 agriculture and construction workers and produces over $10.8 billion worth of agricultural products each year, hasn’t. ..

…workers and their advocates in Idaho said employers often do not provide sufficient protections during heat waves, and that employees are often untrained in the dangers of extreme heat and left to their own devices to protect themselves…

…investigators found that Booth’s employer, Asplundh Tree Expert, had a heat illness prevention plan that included providing breaks in the shade and water.

Allison Morris, a spokesperson for Asplundh, said in an email that the company was “deeply saddened” by Booth’s death…