Biden Administration Proposes Rule For Workplaces To Address Excessive Heat

President Joe Biden's administration is proposing a rule to address excessive workplace heat, as tens of millions in the U.S. face heat advisories due to blistering temperatures.

WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday, the Biden administration proposed a rule to address excessive workplace heat, as millions in the U.S. face heat advisories due to blistering temperatures.

If finalized, the rule would protect around 36 million workers from heat-related injuries, creating the first major federal safety standard for this issue. It would benefit farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers, and indoor workers in warehouses, factories, and kitchens.

President Joe Biden planned to highlight the new rule on Tuesday during a briefing on extreme weather and his remarks.

Despite rising awareness of heat-related health risks, protections for those regularly exposed to heat index readings above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) have lagged.

Under the proposed rule, employers must identify heat hazards, create emergency response plans for heat illness, and train employees and supervisors on its signs and symptoms. They must also establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and help new workers build tolerance to higher temperatures.

Penalties for heat-related violations at workplaces would rise significantly, similar to penalties for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, according to a senior White House official.

In 2023, about 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illnesses. Workers exposed to prolonged extreme heat face higher risks of health problems like heatstroke, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
 

As the hottest month of the year begins, millions of Americans face increased risks of heat strokes, dehydration, and heat-related heart stress.

Since 2021, the Labor Department has been working on guidelines for workplaces to manage heat. OSHA held meetings last year to gather input on how these measures could impact small businesses.

Heat protection laws in the U.S. have met resistance from industry groups like chambers of commerce. Many argue that a one-size-fits-all mandate would be challenging to apply across various industries.

Currently, only California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington have specific workplace standards for heat exposure. Some of these regulations have faced opposition, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. Governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott, both Republicans, have recently passed laws prohibiting local governments from mandating heat protections for outdoor workers.

If approved, the Democratic administration's rule would supersede state laws, requiring states with current heat procedures to enforce measures that are as strict as the federal rule once finalized.