Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat: Safety Tips for Tampa Workers This Summer

As Florida residents know, summers can be hazardous for workers in various ways. From hurricanes to extreme heat and forest fire smoke, there are many things that all employees in the Sunshine State should be wary of in the summer of 2026. If you are already struggling with injuries after a workplace accident, consider contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa.

Make Sure You Have Access to Shade and Water

Although Florida does not have the same worker protections against extreme heat as other states, it still makes sense to insist on basic necessities like shade and water. Tell your supervisor or employer that shade and water help save lives. OSHA recommends that workers drink one cup of water every 20 minutes when temperatures begin to rise during hot Florida summers.

You should drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. If you experience any symptoms of heat stroke, such as dizziness or loss of balance, get to a shady area immediately. Your employer should understand that a few minutes of rest in shade is much more convenient and expensive than a workers’ compensation claim due to full-on heat stroke.

Make Sure You Have Access to a Respirator if Forest Fire Smoke Gets Bad

Florida is facing increased threats from wildfires in the summer of 2026 and beyond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that workers use NIOSH Approved respirators when exposed to wildfire smoke at work. This fire can be incredibly detrimental to your health, both short-term and long-term.

Carefully monitor the concentration of wildfire smoke using your phone when working outside. If the air quality index (AQI) rises above 150, your employer may need to develop some kind of safety plan. The harder you work outside, the more of this toxic smoke you’ll inhale. Sometimes, it makes more sense to simply send workers home and choose a different day for the job.

Ask if Your Employer Has a Hurricane Response Plan

The Red Cross states that all employers should have hurricane response plans before the storm season begins. It should be relatively easy to create one of these plans, and they should involve several elements: Workers should know ahead of time about evacuation routes and shelter locations. Employers might also want to give specific employees assignments during potential storms. For example, one worker might be responsible for shutting down electrical equipment before floods arrive.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you are struggling with heat stroke, smoke inhalation, hurricane-related injuries, or any other medical concerns that stem from a workplace accident this summer. Contact The Franco Law Firm today for further guidance. We serve those facing denied workers’ comp claims.

Sources:

ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/wildfire-smoke-at-the-workplace-safety-and-legal-considerations-for-employers

osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/3431_WKSITEPOSTER_EN.pdf

redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/about-us/news-and-events/news/preparing-your-workplace-for-hurricane-season.html?srsltid=AfmBOorAgSISunv-LiWBINCvBuGWcqN8NasnP7FaEEICz2LkCVXf-us5