Biden Begins Rulemaking on OSHA Heat Standard, But It Could Take 10 Years
Yesterday, the White House announced they would start OSHA’s rulemaking process on a federal workplace standard that would force employers to protect workers against extreme heat. The rulemaking process, a study of how to implement a rule, and public feedback on developing a rule will likely take several years and pass through various regulatory and congressional processes.
The rulemaking comes after record temperatures this summer put several workers at risk.
According to a report released by the National Council of Occupational and Safety Health (National COSH), 41 workers died from heat-related causes between April and August 2020. According to a report released by UCLA, 20,00 workers contracted heat-related illnesses in California last year alone.
The announcement comes after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) received record complaints this year about heat issues, according to records obtained by HuffPost. The rulemaking announcement also comes after a series of strikes by workers who asked their employers to protect them against extreme heat this summer.
Workplace safety advocates praised the Biden Administration’s decision to begin a rulemaking on a heat standard.
“When we organize, we win,” said Jessica E. Martinez, co-executive director of National COSH, said in a statement. “The danger to workers from extreme heat due to climate change has been known for some time. Workers, our unions, workers’ centers, National COSH and many partners and allies have been organizing and advocating for real protections for workers for years.”
https://paydayreport.com/biden-begins-rulemaking-on-osha-heat-standard-but-it-could-take-10-years/