The Biden administration unveiled a groundbreaking proposal on Tuesday aimed at safeguarding millions of American workers from the hazards of excessive heat in the workplace. This initiative marks the first significant federal safety standard intended to protect approximately 36 million workers across various industries, including agriculture, construction, delivery services, landscaping, and factory operations.
Amidst rising temperatures and widespread heat advisories affecting large swathes of the U.S., President Joe Biden plans to highlight the proposed rule during a briefing on extreme weather, underscoring its importance in mitigating heat-related health risks.
Despite growing awareness of the health dangers posed by high temperatures, protections for workers exposed to heat have been inadequate. The proposed rule mandates that employers identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans for heat-related illnesses, and provide comprehensive training to employees and supervisors on recognizing symptoms and signs of heat-related ailments.
Key provisions include mandatory rest breaks, access to shade and water, and protocols for heat acclimatization, crucial for new workers to build tolerance to higher temperatures. Penalties for violations related to heat safety in workplaces would also see significant increases, aligning with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the vulnerability of workers to conditions like heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. In 2023 alone, an estimated 2,300 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to heat-related illnesses.
The U.S. Department of Labor has been developing this standard since 2021, with consultations held by OSHA to assess the potential impact on small businesses. Despite industry opposition, including from chambers of commerce and business associations, the proposal aims to establish uniform protections nationwide, superseding existing state measures in states like California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington.
The administration’s rule, once finalized, would require states with existing heat protection measures to adopt standards that are at least as stringent as the federal guidelines. This move underscores a proactive approach to addressing climate impacts on public health and workplace safety, particularly as the summer season intensifies across the country.