The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will start the rulemaking process today to create a new federal heat standard. There aren’t many details yet on what the rule might look like, but the Biden administration’s announcement hints at a few things it could cover: thresholds for heat stress, heat exposure monitoring, and planning for acclimating to heat.
OSHA also plans to beef up enforcement of existing labor standards when it comes to heat-related hazards. When the heat index — a measure that includes humidity and temperature — rises above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the agency says it will “prioritize” heat-related issues when it comes to workplace inspections and interventions. It also plans to pay closer attention to industries it deems as having a higher risk of heat stress, including agriculture, construction, delivery workers, and warehouses.
This should've always been considered
I can’t wait to see the regulations that they come up with. I’m sure they will powerful and comprehensive, and not industry captured bullshit that fails to actually address the issues.
"One 5 minute water break for every 4.1 hours of work under uninterrupted direct sunlight with temperatures above 90 degrees and humidity at or above 90%". Something token and useless for the vast majority of people who actually need it. Oh your shift is only 4 hours and a cloud floated by once so you had partial shade. Sorry no break back to work!
One 5 minute water break for investors in a small business that operates for no less than 3 years in a disadvantaged area