OSHA Acknowledges Climate Change, Proposes New Heat Protection Rule

July 26, 2024

Contact:Eleonora Piergallini, 202-293-5380 x112Mail_Outline

Washington, DC - Last year was the hottest year on record, with 2024 on track to beat that record. In light of increased heat-related deaths and illnesses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed a new rule earlier this month to protect workers from excessive heat in the workplace. If finalized, this rule would set the first-ever federal safety standard addressing this issue in the United States.

In a new analysis, Climate Analyst Matt Sedlar states, "The federal government must ensure these protections can withstand legal and political challenges. Otherwise, elected officials and employers are sentencing workers to die as part of a cost-benefit calculation."

The proposed OSHA rule would implement preventive measures and guidelines for environments where the temperature reaches a heat index of 80°F or higher. These measures include paid rest breaks, employer-provided break areas and water sources, developing and implementing a heat emergency response plan, and training on heat stress hazards, heat-related injuries and illnesses, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

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