Less than a week after Texas' governor repealed measures safeguarding workers from heat-related illness, a lineman died from heat stroke while assisting with power restoration after storms.
The 35-year-old worker, who had been operating in high temperatures on Monday, reported feeling unwell upon returning to the motel with his workgroup.
Despite drinking water, taking a shower, and sleeping in his room, he couldn't be revived when discovered unresponsive on the floor by his roommate. Emergency services also made resuscitation attempts, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Austin and Dallas enforce rest breaks and provide water for construction workers to mitigate heat-related risks. The 'Death Star' bill will revoke these protections starting from September 1, as the bill's sponsors claim that Texas businesses struggle with varying requirements across different cities.