The Biden administration has proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, aiming to protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure. The rule would require employers to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans, provide training, establish rest breaks, shade, water, and heat acclimatization for new workers. Penalties for heat-related violations would increase significantly.
Despite increased awareness of the risks posed by high temperatures, protections for those routinely exposed to extreme heat have lagged. An estimated 2,300 people died from heat-related illness in 2023 in the U.S. Workers with prolonged exposure to extreme heat are among the most vulnerable.
The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021. California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington are the only states with workplace standards for heat exposure, but some regulations have come under attack by Republicans. The Biden administration’s rule would override state measures if finalized, requiring states with existing procedures to conform to the federal standard.
President Biden plans to highlight the rule in response to extreme weather as millions of Americans face greater risk of heat-related illnesses. The proposed rule would establish the first major federal safety standard for excessive heat in the workplace.
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