Workers across the U.S., from airport employees in Phoenix to mail carriers in California, face significant risks from extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat causes more fatalities each year than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

July 2023 set a new record as the hottest month ever recorded globally, and the United States has been experiencing unprecedented heat waves. Last month, more than 100 million people across 27 states were under heat alerts. Even traditionally cooler regions, such as northern Maine, saw record-breaking temperatures in late June. As climate change progresses, these extreme conditions are expected to become more frequent and severe.

The Need for a Federal Heat Standard

Despite the growing threat, there is currently no federal regulation specifically protecting workers from extreme heat. The Biden administration has proposed a federal heat standard to safeguard millions of workers. This standard is essential as many workers, both indoors and outdoors, suffer from heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Additionally, heat can exacerbate preexisting conditions like asthma, kidney, and heart diseases.

The economic impact is also significant. Workers face lost wages and financial instability due to heat-related illnesses, while employers bear the burden of decreased productivity, higher healthcare costs, and increased workers’ compensation claims. The most vulnerable workers, including low-wage earners, people of color, and immigrants, are disproportionately affected, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive protections.

OSHA’s Limitations and State-Level Actions

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is limited in its ability to protect workers from extreme heat without a specific federal standard. Only five states—California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington—have implemented regulations ensuring workers have access to rest, shade, and water. In contrast, states like Texas and Florida have taken steps to prevent local communities from enacting heat protection measures for outdoor workers.

Proposed Changes by the Biden Administration

In response to this critical issue, the Biden administration has initiated several measures:

1. Workplace Inspections: Conducting nationwide inspections to assess and address heat hazards.
2. Heat Hazard Alert: Issuing alerts to remind employers of their responsibility to protect workers from extreme heat.
3. Proposed Federal Heat Standard: On July 2, the administration published a proposal for a federal heat standard, now open for public comment. This proposal aims to protect approximately 36 million workers.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Standard

The proposed federal heat standard includes the following requirements for employers:

• Heat-Illness Prevention Plans: Develop and implement plans to prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Training and Education: Provide training for workers and supervisors to identify, prevent, counter, and report heat hazards.
• Worksite Monitoring: Monitor worksites for extreme heat exposure.
• Preventive Measures: Offer water, shade, and paid breaks when temperatures exceed a specified threshold.
• Heat Acclimatization: Allow time for workers to gradually adjust to working in high heat.

The Urgent Need for Action

The urgency of enacting these protections cannot be overstated. With the summer heat intensifying, immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable workers. The faster these regulations are implemented, the quicker workers can be safeguarded from the dangers of extreme heat.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In addition to protecting workers, efforts must be made to mitigate the root cause of increasing extreme heat—greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions is crucial to slowing the progression of climate change and its associated extreme weather events.

Conclusion

Extreme heat is a silent killer, posing a greater threat to American lives than many other natural disasters combined. The Biden administration’s proposed federal heat standard is a vital step towards protecting millions of workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries. However, swift action is necessary to implement these protections and address the broader issue of climate change.

For further updates and detailed analysis on labor rights, workplace safety, and climate action, visit Clarah.co. Protecting our workforce from the deadly hazards of extreme heat is not just a necessity—it’s a moral imperative. Workers cannot afford to wait any longer.

Also read:

How Extreme Heat Turns Deadly: The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

Climate Change Amplifies Killer Heat Wave in U.S. and Mexico, Study Finds

Europe Swelters in Heatwaves as Wildfires Ravage Greece: ‘Almost Every 10 Minutes a New Fire Breaks Out’