The Biden administration has proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, which would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure. This would establish the first major federal safety standard of its kind, requiring employers to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans, provide training, rest breaks, shade, water, and heat acclimatization for new workers. Penalties for heat-related violations would increase significantly.
Despite increased awareness of the risks posed by high temperatures, protections for those exposed to extreme heat have lagged. Workers with prolonged exposure are among the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, with an estimated 2,300 deaths in the U.S. in 2023. The proposed rule would put in place measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths, with President Biden planning to highlight the rule in a briefing on extreme weather.
While California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington already have workplace standards for heat exposure, the Biden administration’s rule would override state measures and require states with existing procedures to comply with the federal rule. Industry opposition has been steady, with some states, like Florida and Texas, passing legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers. If finalized, the new rule would provide much-needed protections for workers across the country facing dangerous heat conditions.
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