b'BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATIONEmployers would also be required to provide training, ANNOUNCES PROPOSED RULE TOhave procedures to respond if a worker is PROTECT INDOOR, OUTDOORexperiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related WORKERS FROM EXTREME HEATillness, and take immediate action to help a worker experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat emergency. The U.S. Department of Labor has released a proposed rule with the goal of protecting millions ofThe public is encouraged to submit written comments workers from the significant health risks of extremeon the rule once it is published in the Federal heat. If finalized, the proposed rule would help protectRegister. The agency also anticipates a public hearing approximately 36 million workers in indoor andafter the close of the written comment period. More outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heatinformation will be available on submitting comments injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace. when the rule is published.Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths inIn the interim, OSHA continues to direct significant the U.S. Excessive workplace heat can lead to heatexisting outreach and enforcement resources to stroke and even death. While heat hazards impacteducate employers and workers and hold businesses workers in many industries, workers of color have aaccountable for violations of the Occupational Safety higher likelihood of working in jobs with hazardousand Health Acts general duty clause, 29 U.S.C.heat exposure. 654(a)(1) and other applicable regulations. Record-breaking temperatures across the nation have Every worker should come home safe and healthy atincreased the risks people face on-the-job, especially the end of the day, which is why the Biden-Harrisin summer months. Every year, dozens of workers die administration is taking this significant step to protectand thousands more suffer illnesses related to workers from the dangers posed by extreme heat,hazardous heat exposure that, sadly, are most often said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. As the mostpreventable.pro-worker administration in history, we are committed to ensuring that those doing difficult workThe agency continues to conduct heat-related in some of our economys most critical sectors areinspections under its National Emphasis Programvalued and kept safe in the workplace. Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, launched in 2022. The program inspects workplaces with the The proposed rule would require employers to develophighest exposures to heat-related hazards proactively an injury and illness prevention plan to control heatto prevent workers from suffering injury, illness or hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat.death needlessly. Since the launch, OSHA has Among other things, the plan would require employersconducted more than 5,000 federal heat-related to evaluate heat risks andwhen heat increases risksinspections. to workersimplement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It wouldIn addition, the agency is prioritizing programmed also require a plan to protect new or returning workersinspections in agricultural industries that employ unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions. temporary, nonimmigrant H-2A workers for seasonal labor. These workers face unique vulnerabilities, Workers all over the country are passing out,including potential language barriers, less control over suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposuretheir living and working conditions, and possible lack from just doing their jobs, and something must beof acclimatization, and are at high risk of hazardous done to protect them, said Assistant Secretary forheat exposure. Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker.Agency: Occupational Safety Todays proposal is an important next step in the& Health Administration process to receive public input to craft a win-win final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers. 5'