Biden Administration Proposes First Federal Heat Stress Standards to Protect 36 Million Workers Amid Heat Waves

Jul 2, 2024, 05:55 PM

President Joe Biden's administration has proposed the first-ever federal standards to protect U.S. workers from heat stress. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled a new proposal mandating that workers be provided with water and shaded or air-conditioned areas to take breaks when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This measure, if finalized, would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job. The announcement comes as significant heat waves continue to affect various parts of the country, including the West, Oklahoma, Texas, and California. On July 1, 2024, temperatures in south Mississippi were predicted to reach the mid-90s with heat indices of 110 to 115 degrees. In Las Vegas, Nevada, temperatures reached 106 degrees during a heatwave. Biden emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and criticized those who deny its impacts, stating that ignoring climate change is deadly. Additionally, Biden announced five new actions to combat climate change-fueled extreme weather events, including the first-ever White House Summit on Extreme Heat, which will bring together state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders. The extreme heat is particularly notable during the Fourth of July week.