OSHA Proposes Heat Protections for Workers

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration proposed the first-ever federal standards to address the risks of heat to workers. The proposed protections, already years in the making, come as climate-fueled heat waves struck much of the U.S. this year, putting millions of workers at risk of heat stroke, heart failure and much more.   

Farm, construction, warehouse, and airline workers are among those most at risk from the heat. 

The following is a statement from Juanita Constible, a senior advocate in the environmental health program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): 

“Even before summer came this year, searing heat caused millions of Americans to seek relief in their air-conditioned homes and offices. But millions of workers don’t have that luxury. No matter how high the heat index climbs, they are working outside – or in hot, crowded indoor spaces.  

“With these heat standards, the administration is acting to protect workers. This is a crucial step forward. Workers in our nation should not be denied something as simple as a water break or a few minutes to regroup in the shade. That’s just basic human decency. It shouldn’t be controversial.  

“OSHA now needs to listen to workers and get these protections put in place as soon as possible.”  

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).