The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced a proposed rule designed to protect workers from extreme heat. Heat is the leading cause of death among all weather conditions in the United States. The proposed standard would ensure workers have water and shade breaks. It will apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. 

Following the announcement, the BlueGreen Alliance released a statement from Vice President of Health Initiatives Charlotte Brody:

“In the last decade, hundreds of workers in the United States have died from excessive heat and thousands more have suffered heat stroke and other injuries. With a changing climate we are only going to see more extreme weather and heat. 

“At a time when Republicans are limiting protections for workers, President Biden and OSHA are taking action to safeguard them. We thank President Biden and OSHA for their leadership in protecting workers on the job.”