The Biden administration has declared its commitment to the safety and well-being of American workers by proposing new rules aimed at protecting them from extreme heat conditions. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is set to introduce these regulations to address the high risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities among employees.
Under the anticipated rules, employers will be required to develop comprehensive plans to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace. This includes appointing a heat safety coordinator, establishing protocols for responding to symptoms of heat illness, and monitoring conditions to ensure worker safety. When the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must provide access to drinking water and a designated area for employees to cool down. If the heat index exceeds 90F, additional measures such as paid 15-minute breaks every few hours will be mandated to aid in acclimatization.
Approximately 35 million workers, particularly those in outdoor industries like construction and agriculture, will fall under the purview of these regulations. However, telecommuters, indoor workers with consistent air conditioning, as well as certain public employees, are currently excluded from the proposed rules. Despite these limitations, the Biden administration aims to address the pressing issue of extreme heat in the workplace, a climate-related hazard that often goes unnoticed amidst more sensationalized disasters.
The formulation of these heat protections has been underway for several years, with the Biden administration initiating the rulemaking process in September 2021. President Biden emphasized the significance of combating extreme heat as a prevalent but often overlooked climate disaster. In light of recent events such as Hurricane Beryl and devastating wildfires exacerbated by soaring temperatures in California, the urgency of addressing heat-related risks for workers cannot be understated.
As nearly 83 million Americans currently face heat alerts, President Biden plans to convene a White House Summit on Extreme Heat in the coming months. This summit will serve as a platform to discuss strategies for mitigating heat-related dangers and safeguarding the health of workers across various industries. It signifies a proactive approach towards addressing the growing threats posed by climate change and ensuring the resilience of the workforce in the face of extreme weather conditions.
The proposal of new heat protection rules by the Biden administration marks a pivotal step towards ensuring the occupational safety of American workers in the midst of escalating climate challenges. By prioritizing the mitigation of heat-related risks and implementing preventive measures, these regulations are poised to make a significant impact in safeguarding the well-being of millions of workers nationwide.