Fatal Heat Stress Incident in Landscaping

On July 19, 2023, a fatal heat stress incident occurred during a landscaping project in Phoenix, Arizona, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old worker, Luis Hernandez. Hernandez had been working outdoors for several hours in extreme temperatures exceeding 110°F (43°C) without adequate breaks or access to sufficient hydration. Despite showing signs of heat exhaustion earlier in the day, Hernandez continued working until he collapsed on the job site. Emergency services were called, but Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene due to heat stroke—a severe form of heat stress that occurs when the body overheats […]