First-ever hazard alert for heat released by Department of Labor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Nearly 40% of Americans are facing heat advisories with no end in sight. Under the U.S. Labor Department’s first-ever “hazard alert,” employers will be told what to do, and how to keep their employees safe when they work outside. 

“We should be protecting workers from hazardous conditions, and we will,” said President Joe Biden. 

This July was among the hottest and driest on record in New Mexico.

“These fellas today are working every day to make sure the gases deliver work safely for our customers,” said NM Gas Company Spokesperson Tim Korte. 

These are the crews who make sure you’re able to cook on your gas range stove, cool your home with air conditioning, or use your dryer. Most of their day is spent outside.

“They’re in out from the early morning till the evening time as the job demands,” said NM Gas Company Safety Manager John Saucedo. 

Saucedo is in charge of making sure more than 300 of his workers are safe. 

“It’s typical for about half of our 600 employees to be out in the field on any given day,” said Saucedo. 

While addressing heat hazards, Biden said more than 400 workers have died as a result of working in extreme heat since 2011.

Luckily, there are no deaths to report in New Mexico.