The Biden administration is taking a significant step to propose new rules aimed at protecting workers from the dangers of extreme heat. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be introducing these heat protections to prevent illnesses and deaths caused by high temperatures on the job. This move comes at a crucial time when heat-related fatalities outnumber those caused by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other weather-related disasters in the United States.
With the impact of global warming exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, the need for workplace protections is more critical than ever. These proposed rules are designed to align with the reality of climate change and ensure that employers take necessary precautions to safeguard their employees from heat-related risks. The regulations will require employers to develop plans to prevent heat injuries and illnesses by appointing a heat safety coordinator and implementing protocols to address symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, and fainting.
Under the new rules, workplaces with a heat index of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher must adhere to specific safety requirements to protect workers. This includes providing access to drinking water, establishing designated cooling areas, and monitoring conditions for potential hazards. For heat indexes of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above, additional measures such as paid 15-minute breaks every couple of hours will be mandatory to help employees acclimatize to the extreme heat.
The proposed rules are expected to cover approximately 35 million workers who are regularly exposed to heat risks, particularly those in industries like construction and agriculture. However, the regulations do not extend to teleworkers or individuals working indoors with consistent air conditioning that maintains temperatures below the specified heat index thresholds. Additionally, state and local public employees not governed by OSHA and certain emergency responders are not included in these protections.
The Biden administration’s initiative to establish new heat protection rules builds on the recognition of extreme heat as a significant climate threat. President Biden’s commitment to addressing this issue was evident when the rulemaking process was announced in September 2021. As various climate disasters continue to impact communities, including recent events like Hurricane Beryl and wildfires in California, the urgency of protecting workers from extreme heat is more apparent than ever.
With nearly 83 million Americans currently under heat alerts, the need for comprehensive heat protection measures is paramount. President Biden’s plan to convene a White House Summit on Extreme Heat later this summer underscores the administration’s dedication to addressing this pressing issue. By implementing robust regulations and prioritizing worker safety amid evolving climate challenges, the Biden administration is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat in the workplace.
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