A heat dome has affected much of the U.S., leading to the deaths of at least three workers. Concurrently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration held a public hearing regarding proposed worker heat protections. Proposed regulations include mandated rest and water breaks for workers in extreme heat. Industry groups have expressed concerns about the rule, specifically regarding its applicability in hotter regions. Despite the pushback, experts emphasize the ongoing risks of heat-related illnesses and fatalities among workers, underscoring the necessity of protections.
High temperatures contributed to the deaths of at least three workers last week as a heat dome smothered much of the U.S., illustrating the high stakes of a public hearing that was unfolding at the same time to help determine the fate of the nation's first proposed worker heat protections.
Many industry groups complained that the rule would require employers to give workers 15 minutes of rest for every two hours of work when heat rises above 90 degrees. They argued that although 90 degrees may seem hot in New England or the Pacific Northwest, workers in the South are accustomed to much higher temperatures and don't need protections.
Days later, several people died as they worked in hot temperatures, according to news reports. There are far too many workers who are still getting sick or dying of heat-related illness.
Collection
[
|
...
]