The Biden administration has recently announced plans to introduce new rules aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat, which is considered the deadliest weather-related risk faced by Americans. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is set to implement these new heat protections to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. It is crucial to recognize the severity of this issue, as heat-related deaths far outnumber those caused by hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes in the US.
The impact of global warming has only exacerbated the problem of extreme heat, leading to longer, more frequent, and more intense heatwaves. As a result, it is imperative that workplace protections keep pace with this reality. The proposed rules will necessitate that employers develop plans to mitigate the risks of heat injury and illness among their workers. This includes appointing a heat safety coordinator, implementing response procedures for heat-related symptoms, and monitoring workplaces for hazardous conditions.
Under the new rules, specific requirements will be triggered by a heat index of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which accounts for both heat and humidity. Workers operating in such conditions must have access to drinking water and a designated break area for cooling down. If the heat index reaches 90F or higher, additional measures will be enforced, such as paid 15-minute breaks every couple of hours to help employees acclimatize to the heat. These regulations are expected to safeguard around 35 million workers who are regularly exposed to heat risks in sectors like construction and agriculture.
It is important to note that the proposed rules exclude teleworkers and indoor workers with consistent air conditioning that keeps temperatures below the specified heat index thresholds. Additionally, certain state and local public employees and emergency responders are not covered by OSHA regulations. The Biden administration’s decision to address extreme heat risks through these rules was announced back in September 2021, underscoring the initiative’s importance in light of climate change-related disasters.
With millions of Americans currently under heat alerts, President Joe Biden plans to convene a White House Summit on Extreme Heat later this summer to address the escalating impact of heatwaves in the US. This proactive approach aligns with the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers exposed to extreme heat conditions. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable and severe, it is essential to implement measures that offer protection and support to those most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.
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