AFSCME supports new Biden administration heat standard for workers

https://www.afscme.org/blog/afscme-supports-new-biden-administration-heat-standard-for-workers

By Shafuq Naseem and Pablo Ros · Wednesday, July 03, 2024

AFSCME strongly supports a new heat standard proposed by the U.S. Labor Department this week that would protect millions of workers exposed to extreme heat.

As the global climate rapidly gets warmer, the new protections would help address the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there were at least 33,890 estimated work-related heat injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The proposed rule would create site-specific employer obligations to protect workers from extreme heat both indoors and outdoors. Among other things, it would require employers to develop prevention plans to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. The proposal would also require employers to provide training and create procedures to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness.

The proposed rule wouldn’t take effect until after a public comment period followed by a public hearing.

FULL story at link above.