Biden Proposes Landmark Rule to Combat Workplace Heat Hazards Amid Nationwide Heat Wave

President Joe Biden has introduced a groundbreaking rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, coinciding with heat advisories affecting tens of millions of Americans. As the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning for Las Vegas, forecasting temperatures between 110 to 118 degrees from Wednesday to Monday, the proposed measure aims to protect 36 million U.S. workers from heat-related injuries. This new federal safety standard would be the first of its kind, safeguarding farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers, and indoor workers in warehouses, factories, and kitchens.

During his speech at the DC Emergency Operations Center, Biden emphasized the urgent need for this rule, criticizing Republican lawmakers for denying climate change. "It's not only outrageous, it's really stupid," Biden remarked, highlighting the $90 billion economic toll from weather-inflicted damage last year. He pointed out that extreme heat causes more fatalities than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined, and stressed the psychological and financial impacts of climate-fueled extreme weather events.

The rule is part of a broader strategy to tackle extreme weather, with additional measures including a FEMA rule on flooding risks, $1 billion in disaster grants, a new EPA report on climate change impacts, and an upcoming White House conference on extreme heat. Despite increased awareness of heat risks, protections for those exposed to high temperatures have lagged.

A senior White House official explained that the rule aims to reduce worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses caused by excessive heat. Employers would be required to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans, and train employees and supervisors on heat illness symptoms. They must also provide rest breaks, shade, water, and heat acclimatization for new workers. Penalties for heat-related workplace violations would be significantly increased.

In 2023, an estimated 2,300 Americans died from heat-related illnesses, with workers exposed to extreme heat being particularly vulnerable. The Labor Department has been developing a standard for workplace heat management since 2021, with OSHA holding meetings last year to discuss the proposed measures' impact on small businesses.

The AFL-CIO union federation praised the proposed rule, with President Liz Shuler stating that it addresses basic health and safety needs for workers. However, industry opposition remains strong, with many arguing that a universal mandate would be challenging to implement across diverse industries.

Currently, only California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington have workplace standards for heat exposure. Some of these regulations have faced opposition from Republicans, with Florida and Texas passing laws preventing local governments from enforcing heat protections for outdoor workers. If finalized, Biden's rule would override state measures, requiring states with existing procedures to adopt equally stringent or stricter measures.

Why This Matters: The proposed rule is a significant step towards protecting millions of American workers from the dangers of excessive heat, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and workplace safety standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden proposes a rule to protect workers from excessive heat.
• The rule would affect 36 million U.S. workers.
• Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S.
• Only a few states currently have workplace heat standards.
• The rule faces industry opposition but is praised by worker unions.