Protections for workers exposed to extreme heat

Extreme heat in the workplace is a leading cause of death and can cause a range of adverse health effects, such as heat stroke and even death if not treated promptly and properly, so President Biden’s administration has proposed a rule that would protect more than 36 million workers in the United States from extreme heat waves and the illnesses that result. It also trains workers and employers to identify and respond diligently to warning signs.

Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su highlights the importance of this rule and explains which workers it will protect.

36 million … safe and sound

Julie Su said that extreme heat affects not only outdoor employees but also those working indoors.

The Biden administration has commented that they advocate that the rules apply to vulnerable populations, Latinos and Native Americans, let’s hear from Julie Su.

The proposed regulations against the effects of extreme heat seek that employers comply with the rules to protect H-2A visa workers, she recalled that they have pushed for changes to enforce their labor rights.

As you know, the standards are necessary because according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, 479 workers in the United States died from exposure to environmental heat between 2011 and 2022, an average of 40 deaths per year during that period, this puts us on alert as we are facing a more severe and potentially deadly climate crisis.

Another element to consider is that Latino workers who work outdoors, or those who work indoors, do so with poor ventilation and are exposed to heat stress as they are exposed to temperatures of up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit every day.

Julie Sue made it clear that federal law protects workers across the country, even if the state where they live rejects them, as in the case of the Republicans in Florida and Texas.