Public statements or press releases from labor unions

Biden Administration Proposes First Federal Heat Safety Rule to Protect 36 Million Workers

Jul 2, 2024, 03:10 PM

The Biden administration has proposed new regulations to protect workers from extreme heat, marking the first major federal safety standard of its kind. The proposed rule, if finalized, will safeguard an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from heat-related injuries. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort by the administration to address climate change and its impacts, including the first-ever White House Summit on Extreme Heat. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has highlighted the need for such protections, noting that heat illness is a preventable occupational hazard. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su emphasized the importance of changing behavior even before the rule is finalized. Additionally, recent temperatures in Nevada reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit.