AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement in response to a newly proposed standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat:
“As we enter the second summer with temperatures reaching scorching record highs, the Biden administration’s new proposed rule could not be more urgently needed. Hot and humid conditions have long put indoor and outdoor workers at significant risk of heat-related illness and injury—with workers of color and immigrant workers facing disproportionate risks in many states. If finalized, this new rule would address some of the most basic needs for workers’ health and safety: water, shade, rest breaks, training and acclimatization for working in hot environments.
“The AFL-CIO has long called for these prevention measures to be codified in federal law, and we are glad to see President Biden and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su take the threat of extreme heat seriously with this important action. We urge OSHA to work with unions to strengthen the rule’s provisions and finalize it as quickly as possible so that workers can return home safely to their families at the end of each work shift.”
Contact: Prerna Jagadeesh, 202-637-5018