{"id":29113,"date":"2024-08-19T16:08:40","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T16:08:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=29113"},"modified":"2024-08-21T15:37:28","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T15:37:28","slug":"safest-states-outdoor-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/safest-states-outdoor-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety First: 2024\u2019s Safest States for Outdoor Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which states take \u201csafety first\u201d seriously for outdoor jobs?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\u2019s (OSHA) recently proposed rule for federal heat protections, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> ranked 2024\u2019s Safest States for Outdoor Workers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 5 categories. We looked at legislation protecting workers from extreme weather conditions, whistleblower retaliation rights, and employment benefits. We also considered the number of work-related injuries and fatalities, in addition to climate, among 26 total metrics.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See where your state stands in our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the states, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"contents\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 close up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final thoughts: Landscaping safely<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\">Rankings<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each state fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"3d0c8768-2bcb-4e93-981e-0086e2d7e879\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: Ranking Table - 2024&amp;#39;s Safest States for Outdoor Workers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"9bb724a5-ca08-44a0-9238-9d2aeb9901b7\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: 2024&amp;#39;s Safest States for Outdoor Workers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\"><span id=\"top-5-close-up\">Top 5 close up<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 states for outdoor workers.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_bf87981f-77f0-4c94-9ecc-71c73659e64c\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-vlada-karpovich-4448861-1-1.png\" alt=\"Mountain landscape with pinetrees.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Washington | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>70.98<br><br><strong>Whistleblower Retaliation Rights: <\/strong>2 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Severe Work-Related Injuries per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>0.27 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 15<br><strong>Work-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>1.35 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 10<br><strong>Air Quality: <\/strong>26.13 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 4<br><strong>Union Membership Rate: <\/strong>16.5% | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 3<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/green-pine-trees-near-mountain-under-blue-sky-4448861\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vlada Karpovich<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-barrett-shutt-3633809-5437384-1.png\" alt=\"A view of Mount Hood reflecting in a lake in Oregon\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Oregon | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>68.83<br><br><strong>Total Fines $40,000+ in Last 3 Years (Willful or Repeated): <\/strong>23 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 14<br><strong>Whistleblower Retaliation Rights: <\/strong>2 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Severe Work-Related Injuries per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>0.31 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 16<br><strong>Work-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>1.3 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 9<br><strong>Air Quality: <\/strong>27.22 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 6<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/picturesque-lake-reflecting-volcanic-mountain-and-fir-forest-on-sunny-day-5437384\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Barrett Shutt<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Minnesota-LL-1.png\" alt=\"An aerial view of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, skyline at sunset, with the Mississipi River in the foreground\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Minnesota | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>63.43<br><br><strong>Total Fines $40,000+ in Last 3 Years (Willful or Repeated): <\/strong>43 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 22<br><strong>Whistleblower Retaliation Rights: <\/strong>2 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Severe Work-Related Injuries per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>0.11 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 6<br><strong>Work-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>1.42 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 16<br><strong>Air Quality: <\/strong>30.29 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 9<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/aerial-shot-of-concrete-structures-near-body-of-water-ohK_uJJm2G8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nicole Geri<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/California-1.jpg\" alt=\"A palm tree frames the Hollywood Sign, which stands on top of a hill on a clear blue day.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>61.21<br><br><strong>Whistleblower Retaliation Rights: <\/strong>2 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Severe Work-Related Injuries per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>0.13 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 9<br><strong>Work-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>1.28 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 6<br><strong>Humidity\/Precipitation: <\/strong>20.27 | <strong>Rank: <\/strong>9<br><strong>Union Membership Rate: <\/strong>15.4% | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 6<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/hollywood-sign-2671089\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edgar Colomba<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-YORK-LL-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Statue of Liberty stands before the skyline of New York City.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>New York | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>59.16<br><br><strong>Severe Work-Related Injuries per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>2.23 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 22<br><strong>Work-Related Fatalities per 100,000 Residents: <\/strong>1.26 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 5<br><strong>Average Number of Very Hot Days (90+ degrees): <\/strong>9.78 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 7<br><strong>Annual Average Daily Dose of UV Irradiance: <\/strong>3,002 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 5<br><strong>Union Membership Rate: <\/strong>20.6% | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 2<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/statue-of-liberty-under-blue-sky-3554594\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pierre Blach\u00e9<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key insights<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>21 states<\/strong> stay prepared with their own OSHA-approved <strong>state safety plans<\/strong>, protecting both private and government employees. <strong>8 states<\/strong> require <strong>10-hour or 30-hour <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/osha10hrtraining.com\/blog\/osha\/states-requiring-10-hour-30-hour-osha-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>OSHA training<\/strong><\/a>, which informs and trains workers and supervisors on dealing with <strong>typical safety and health hazards<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Statistics show about <strong>2,000 deaths<\/strong> and <strong>170,000 injuries<\/strong> result <strong>each year<\/strong> from laboring in extreme heat in the U.S. Only <strong>4 states<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>Washington<\/strong> (No. 1), <strong>Oregon<\/strong> (No. 2), <strong>California<\/strong> (No. 4), and <strong>Colorado<\/strong> (No. 12) \u2014 have <strong>laws protecting outdoor workers<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.org\/article\/scorched-states\/#:~:text=Table%201%3A%20Coverage%20of%20State%20Heat%20Standards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extreme heat<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some states are going so far as to <strong>pass legislation preventing<\/strong> local counties and cities from <strong>improving work safety standards<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>In July, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/news\/florida-legislature-approves-bill-blocking-local-workplace-heat-protection-standards-36380054\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HB 433<\/a> went into effect in <strong>Florida<\/strong> (No. 50), specifically <strong>banning local heat protections<\/strong> \u2014 rest breaks, hydration, safety training, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/heatstress\/acclima.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">acclimatization<\/a> \u2014 for workers. Local advocates say <a href=\"https:\/\/news.wfsu.org\/wfsu-local-news\/2024-07-12\/as-floridas-heat-law-kicks-in-feds-eye-worker-heat-protections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florida farmworkers<\/a> commonly <strong>wear diapers<\/strong> and <strong>avoid drinking water<\/strong> at work out of fear of being harassed or fired for taking a break. Florida ranks <strong>41st in union membership<\/strong> with 4.7% of workers in labor unions.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Texas<\/strong> (No. 39) has the most <strong>hot days<\/strong>, averaging <strong>104 days above 90 degrees<\/strong> annually. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2023\/07\/21\/1189179220\/amid-a-record-heat-wave-texas-construction-workers-lose-their-right-to-rest-brea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas Regulatory Consistency Act<\/a> passed in 2023, <strong>preventing cities<\/strong> from enacting a broad range of local regulations, including <strong>mandated rest and water breaks <\/strong>and <strong>safety training<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Texas ranks <strong>43rd in union membership<\/strong> with 4.5% of laborers with union representation. The Lone Star State also has the <strong>lowest share<\/strong> of workers with<strong> health insurance<\/strong> and claims the <strong>12th highest<\/strong> number of <strong>severe<\/strong> <strong>work-related injuries<\/strong> per 100,000 residents in our ranking.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hot<\/strong> and <strong>humid <\/strong>Southeastern states \u2014 <strong>Mississippi<\/strong> (No. 48), <strong>Alabama<\/strong> (No. 49), and <strong>Florida<\/strong> (No. 50) \u2014 land at the bottom of our ranking, alongside <strong>Arkansas<\/strong>, in last place. On top of a <strong>challenging climate<\/strong>, these states have <strong>low rates<\/strong> of both <strong>union membership<\/strong> and workers with <strong>health insurance<\/strong>, and <strong>high rates<\/strong> of <strong>severe work-related injuries<\/strong> per 100,000 residents.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"standout-stats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Standout stats<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Michigan<\/strong> (No. 6) scores near the top with the <strong>highest workers&#8217; compensation payout<\/strong>, about 77% of the worker\u2019s weekly wage.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Hawaii <\/strong>(No. 10) claims the <strong>highest union membership<\/strong> rate, <strong>24.1%<\/strong>, followed by <strong>New York<\/strong> (No. 5) and <strong>Washington<\/strong> (No. 1).&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Ohio<\/strong> (No. 38) businesses have the <strong>most willful or repeated fines<\/strong>, <strong>533<\/strong>, worth <strong>$40,000 or more<\/strong> each \u2014 totaling over <strong>$50.6 million<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>North Dakota<\/strong> (No. 46) had the most work-related <strong>severe injuries <\/strong>in 2022 \u2014 10.9 per 100,000 residents \u2014 followed by <strong>Nebraska<\/strong> (No. 37) and <strong>South Dakota<\/strong> (No. 42). <strong>Wyoming<\/strong> (No. 30) had the most <strong>work-related fatalities<\/strong>, 5.9 deaths per 100,000 residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"\"><\/span><\/h2>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 id=\"ask-the-experts\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask the Experts<\/h2>    <p>We turned to a panel of experts for tips on working in hot conditions and how federal heat protections might impact business in the U.S. Read their insights below.<\/p> <ol> <li>What are your best 3 tips for outdoor workers to stay cool while laboring outside in the heat?<\/li> <li>How can workers best advocate for their health and safety while working in the heat or other hazardous weather conditions?<\/li> <li>What are 3 ways companies and employers might be impacted \u2014 positively or negatively \u2014 by implementing safety measures like providing water or shaded breaks during extreme weather conditions?<\/li> <li>Why are states like Florida <a href=\"http:\/\/w1.mssxlr.com\/prod\/9e6fd9f8-444c-4530-9a28-d92a13c57d6d\/7cc6e311-3599-4b4a-aef8-15396e0abbf9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">preventing local governments<\/a> from requiring companies to implement safe work conditions during extreme heat?<\/li> <li>How could Biden\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/w1.mssxlr.com\/prod\/9e6fd9f8-444c-4530-9a28-d92a13c57d6d\/a5c7286a-5d12-4b62-9975-1484fa63ff33\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">proposed rule<\/a> for protecting workers from excessive heat impact small businesses and\/or economic regions where hot weather is most common?<\/li> <li>What are the three biggest risks outdoor workers face on the job?<\/li> <li>What steps should an employee take if they feel like their work environment is unsafe?<\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Magdy-Akladios.jpg\" alt=\"Magdy Akladios\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Magdy Akladios, Ph.D., PE, CSP, CPE, CSHM <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor of Occupational Safety &amp; Health, Program Director, Occupational Safety &amp; Health Department Chair, Physical &amp; Applied Sciences<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('crista-vesel-msc', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Crista-Vesel.jpg\" alt=\"Crista Vesel\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Crista Vesel, MSc <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Adjunct Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Magdy-Akladios.jpg\" alt=\"Magdy Akladios\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Magdy Akladios, Ph.D., PE, CSP, CPE, CSHM <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Occupational Safety &amp; Health, Program Director, Occupational Safety &amp; Health Department Chair, Physical &amp; Applied Sciences<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Houston-Clear Lake, College of Science &amp; Engineering<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('magdy-akladios-phd-pe-csp-cpe-cshm')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Magdy-Akladios.jpg\" alt=\"Magdy Akladios\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Magdy Akladios, Ph.D., PE, CSP, CPE, CSHM <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Occupational Safety &amp; Health, Program Director, Occupational Safety &amp; Health Department Chair, Physical &amp; Applied Sciences<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Houston-Clear Lake, College of Science &amp; Engineering<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are your best three tips for outdoor workers to stay cool while laboring outside in the heat?<\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>1. The most important tip is to push fluids.<\/strong><\/p> <ul> <li>One cup (8 oz.) of cool water or an electrolyte replacement fluid every 15-20 minutes.<\/li> <li>Four cups of water every hour.<\/li> <\/ul> <p>Increased water intake may be needed to account for increased physical exertion and\/or sweating.<\/p> <p><strong>2. Take rest breaks.<\/strong><\/p> <p>Prolonged physical exertion and muscle activity increases the body\u2019s core temperature and reduces the body\u2019s ability to cool itself.<\/p> <p><strong>3. Recognize and report the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.<\/strong><\/p> <p>This includes watching:<\/p> <ul> <li>Urine color<\/li> <li>Body weight<\/li> <li>Loss of fluids<\/li> <li>Body conditions (rash, cramps, feeling dizzy, nauseated, etc.)<\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>What are the three biggest risks outdoor workers face on the job?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Typically, the most important risk for outdoor workers is heat extremes (hot or cold). I would follow this by the OSHE top 2 killers especially for construction workers which are:<\/p> <ul> <li>Trenching\/excavations<\/li> <li>Falls<\/li> <\/ul> <p>Obviously, this depends on what exposures workers have. For example, if they are exposed to vehicular traffic, then motor vehicle accidents would top the above mentioned two hazards.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps should an employee take if they feel like their work environment is unsafe?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Workers should have the autonomy to stop the work and remove themselves from a hazardous situation once they perceive one. Sometimes accidents happen because the worker saw the hazard and chose to stay quiet and continue to work.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-crista-vesel-msc\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'crista-vesel-msc', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'crista-vesel-msc'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('crista-vesel-msc', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'crista-vesel-msc', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'crista-vesel-msc'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('crista-vesel-msc', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Crista-Vesel.jpg\" alt=\"Crista Vesel\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'crista-vesel-msc'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Crista Vesel, MSc <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'crista-vesel-msc'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Adjunct Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'crista-vesel-msc'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Alabama at Birmingham, Advanced Safety Engineering and Management (ASEM) UAB<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'crista-vesel-msc'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('crista-vesel-msc', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'crista-vesel-msc'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('crista-vesel-msc')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Crista-Vesel.jpg\" alt=\"Crista Vesel\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Crista Vesel, MSc <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Adjunct Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Alabama at Birmingham, Advanced Safety Engineering and Management (ASEM) UAB<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are your best three tips for outdoor workers to stay cool while laboring outside in the heat?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Drinking cool water is the best way to stay hydrated in hot and\/or humid conditions. Be aware that caffeine intake, such as from coffee or energy drinks can have negative effects that can increase heat illness potential. Energy drinks may also have other additives that can increase the likelihood of heat stress.<\/p> <p>2. Heat exhaustion can occur in all temperatures but is more likely to occur as the weather gets hotter or more humid. Heat stress can impact how you think &#8211; you may not be able to think clearly when you are experiencing a heat event. Have a \u201cheat buddy\u201d that can alert you to take a cooling break.<\/p> <p>3. To cool yourself quickly, immerse your hands and forearms in cold water, which has been shown to reduce the effects of heat stress. It feels good, too.<\/p> <p><strong>How can workers best advocate for their health and safety while working in the heat or other hazardous weather conditions?<\/strong><\/p> <ul> <li>This should not fall on workers \u2014 the managers and leadership should create a psychologically safe space for workers to take breaks in the heat or speak up when they do not feel well. We often say &#8220;safety first,&#8221; yet create a culture where production is always the most important factor. Allowing workers to succeed in conditions where heat stress is likely, may mean changing our definition of success.<\/li> <li>Workers can \u201cbuddy-up\u201d to help each other watch for signs of heat stress and advocate for one another in high heat or humid conditions.<\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>What are three ways companies and employers might be impacted \u2014 positively or negatively \u2014 by implementing safety measures like providing water or shaded breaks during extreme weather conditions?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Productivity can be positively impacted by setting up cooling stations and encouraging workers to take at least a 10-minute break every hour.<\/p> <p>2. Cooling stations can include shade, cold water (and caffeine free electrolyte drinks in extreme conditions), and buckets of cold water for dunking hands and arms. The cost of these stations will be negligible compared to the increase in worker comfort and performance ability.<\/p> <p>3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays an important role in heat stress. PPE should be evaluated not only for its protective qualities, but also for breathability and comfort. Covering the skin may be necessary to protect from the sun or other hazards, yet the evaporation of sweat must be considered when choosing the material and structure of the clothing.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Safest States for Outdoor Workers. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 5 categories: Worker Protection and Safety, Environmental Stressors, Medical Access, Employment &amp; Benefits, and Safety. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each state to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A state\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 51).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 51 due to ties.<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"5b69a2b3-012d-428c-b6c8-f3773dd09253\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: Methodology Table - 2024&amp;#39;s Safest States for Outdoor Workers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> American Hospital Directory, Atticus, Federal Emergency Management Agency, GovDocs, National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Neighborhood Scout, OSHA Training, Public Citizen, Statista, Urgent Care Foundation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Labor<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"final-thoughts-landscaping-safely\">Final thoughts: Landscaping safely<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laborers must take shaded breaks and hydrate to prevent heat illnesses \u2014 like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/heatstress\/heatrelillness.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rhabdomyolysis<\/a> \u2014 from occurring.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdoor workers are often weighed down by their gear, from boots to hard hats to respirators. Advancements in <a href=\"https:\/\/techxplore.com\/news\/2024-08-intelligent-soft-robotic-automatic-thermal.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">robotic thermally-insulated<\/a> work clothes may help them stay cool in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safety is key for all outdoor jobs \u2014 including lawn care and landscaping. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/newsroom\/releases\/osha\/osha20231207\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1,072 landscaping and groundskeeping workers<\/a> died on the job between 2011 and 2021. Last year, OSHA began a regional program to prevent injuries and fatalities of landscaping and horticultural workers in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cbs12.com\/news\/local\/160k-in-landscaping-gear-stolen-in-martin-county-msco-theft-landscaping-plants-grass-hedge-martin-county-palm-city-indiantown-business-7-5-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Equipment thefts<\/a> are also hurting lawn care businesses across the country. Pros should consider using tracking devices, security cameras, and alarm systems to protect their property.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay safe on the job (or in your backyard) with help from our guides below.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/\">Lawn Mower Safety Tips<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/yard-work-safety-tips\/\">Yard Work Safety Tips<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-down-tree-safely\/\">How to Cut Down a Tree Safely<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-snow-safely\/\">How to Remove Snow Safely<\/a><\/li>    <li>For lawn care business owners: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/do-you-need-lawn-care-insurance\/\">Do You Need Lawn Care Insurance?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Take a break on your day off and <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\"><em>hire a Lawn Love crew<\/em><\/a><em> to handle your yard chores.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you work in lawn care and landscaping, consider <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/apply\"><em>signing up to be a Lawn Love pro<\/em><\/a><em>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media resources<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of states<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main Photo Credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/search\/free?load_type=search&amp;is_recent_search=&amp;search_type=usertyped&amp;k=outdoor+work&amp;native_visual_search=&amp;similar_content_id=&amp;asset_id=452855092\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">standret<\/a> | Adobe Stock | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which states take \u201csafety first\u201d seriously for outdoor jobs? Discover 2024\u2019s Safest States for Outdoor Workers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":29122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[348],"class_list":["post-29113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AdobeStock_452855092-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29113\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}