The Biden administration is considering new federal rules to protect workers from extreme heat, a move that could safeguard up to 50 million workers, particularly Black and Latinx individuals who are overrepresented in high-risk jobs.
The proposed changes to Occupational Safety and Health Act rules would apply to both outdoor and indoor workplaces, addressing the growing threat of heat-related illnesses and deaths. In 2023, the hottest year on record, heat-related deaths in the U.S. tripled compared to recent averages, claiming 2,300 lives.
Black and Latinx workers, who make up 45 percent of the outdoor workforce and are heavily employed in warehouse jobs, are statistically more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses and deaths. The new protections could significantly impact Black labor, as these communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat risks.
The proposed rules would establish two thresholds based on heat index. At 80 degrees, employers would be required to provide water, lighter workloads, and break areas. Above 90 degrees, mandatory breaks and monitoring for heat-related illnesses would be implemented.
These federal regulations would override local laws in states like Florida and Texas that have blocked municipal heat protections for workers. They would also extend protections to indoor workers in California, where similar efforts have failed.
Dr. John M. Balbus, deputy assistant secretary for climate change and health at HHS, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that extreme heat is “the greatest threat to human health posed by climate change.”
While the proposal aims to address a critical health disparity, it is expected to face challenges similar to those encountered by local heat-protection measures.
See “Can President Biden Protect Workers from the Heat?” (May 29, 2024)
