Biden Administration Proposes First Federal Heat Protections for 36 Million Workers on Tuesday

Jul 2, 2024, 05:31 PM

The Biden administration has proposed the first-ever federal standards to protect U.S. workers from extreme heat. Announced on Tuesday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will issue a rule aimed at safeguarding approximately 36 million indoor and outdoor workers from heat stress. This measure, if finalized, would mandate employers to provide water and shaded or air-conditioned areas for breaks when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, which has led to rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. Between 2011 and 2021, 436 workers in the U.S. died from heat exposure. President Joe Biden emphasized the deadly and dangerous nature of ignoring climate change and criticized those who deny its existence. Julie Su from the Labor Department expressed hope that the rule would start to change behavior even before it is finalized.