The Biden administration has unveiled a long-awaited proposal to protect workers from extreme temperatures. If finalized, the rule will establish the nation’s first-ever federal safety standard for excessive heat exposure in the workplace and protect as many as 36 million indoor and outdoor workers.
Announced on Tuesday amid temperature warnings across the country, the rule would require employers to establish a heat safety coordinators, undergo extreme heat safety training, create and regularly update emergency heat response plans, and provide workers with shade and water.
It would also require a heat acclimatization process for new employees to gradually increase their exposure to high temperatures. Three out of four workers who die of workplace heat exposure in the US die during their first week on the job, senior administration officials told reporters on Monday.
The proposed rule includes specific safeguards for when the heat index in a workplace breaches 80F (27C), including increased access to water and temperature-controlled break rooms. At a 90F (32C) heat index, the standard would trigger additional protections, including paid 15-minute break every two hours, mandated observation of employees, and hazard alerts for all workers.
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26 w
This is such a great move towards ensuring that the citizens are protected from the harsh weather conditions.
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28 w
Its a good proposal that will see millions of workers protected from extreme heat
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28 w
This is a great decision by the US government that will safeguard the health of workers and their environment.
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28 w
As climate change intensifies, safeguarding laborers from heat-related illnesses becomes increasingly important.
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28 w
Implementing heat safety measures will help maintain workers' health and reduces costly medical expenses.
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29 w
That's a crucial move forward for ensuring the safety and health of workers in the face of extreme heat conditions.