The Biden administration has announced that new rules will be proposed today to safeguard workers from one of the deadliest weather-related risks they face: extreme heat. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is set to publish the new heat protections on the federal register, with the aim of preventing heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workplace.
It is important to note that heat-related deaths in the US surpass those caused by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other weather-related disasters. With global warming exacerbating the issue by leading to longer, more frequent, and more intense heatwaves, it is crucial for workplace protections to address this reality. The proposed rules are designed to bring workplace safety measures in line with the increasing threat of extreme heat.
Under the new rules, employers will be required to develop plans to mitigate heat injury and illness risks. This includes appointing a heat safety coordinator and establishing protocols to address symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as muscle cramps, nausea, and fainting. Workplaces will need to be monitored for potentially hazardous conditions, with special requirements triggered by specific heat index levels.
Employees working in conditions with a heat index of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher must be provided with access to drinking water and a designated cooling area. A heat index of 90F or more will necessitate additional measures, including paid 15-minute breaks every couple of hours to allow workers to acclimatize to the heat. These breaks are crucial in helping individuals cope with extreme temperatures.
It is estimated that around 35 million workers who are regularly exposed to heat risks, such as those in construction and agriculture, will be covered by the new rules. The regulations, however, do not extend to teleworkers or individuals working indoors with adequate air conditioning. Additionally, certain state and local public employees and emergency responders who fall outside of OSHA’s jurisdiction are not included in the proposal.
The Biden administration initiated the rulemaking process in September 2021, recognizing the urgent need for regulatory action to address the looming threat of extreme heat. President Biden underscored the importance of tackling this silent climate disaster, in the wake of recent extreme weather events like Hurricane Beryl and devastating wildfires in California. Currently, approximately 83 million people in the US are under heat alerts, prompting the administration to announce plans for a White House Summit on Extreme Heat later this summer.
The proposed heat protections by the Biden administration represent a significant step towards safeguarding workers from the hazardous effects of extreme heat. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and protocols, employers can ensure the well-being of their employees in the face of escalating heat-related risks. It is imperative that these rules are enacted swiftly to protect workers and mitigate the impact of extreme heat on the workforce.
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