In a recent article from the Daily Montanan, “How a proposed federal heat rule might have saved workers’ lives.” by Amy Maxmen, the discussion centers around a proposed federal rule by OSHA aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat. This rule, introduced by President Joe Biden in July, would require employers to reduce the risk of heat related illness through preventative measures. Key measures include access to cool drinking water, shaded or air conditioned break areas, 15 minute paid breaks every two hours when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, and an acclimation period for new employees.
The article highlights several tragic incidents where workers lost their lives due to heat exposure on the job. It also notes that over 70% of workers who die from heat do so within their first week of work, stressing the importance of an acclimation period. The proposed rule is seen as a critical step towards ensuring worker safety in increasingly hot conditions, exacerbated by climate change.
Advocates argue that this rule could significantly reduce the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths among workers, particularly those in outdoor and physically demanding jobs. On the other hand, critics argue that the proposed measures do not account for the wide variety of jobs, climates, and workers subject to the rule. While some industry groups argue that the proposed rule will be too costly to employers, an analysis of workers’ compensation claims suggests that employers will actually save money by implementing the proposed measures.
Ultimately, the proposed federal heat rule addresses the need to mitigate the risks of extreme heat in the workplace. While there are differing opinions on the costs and implementation, the rule’s focus is on reducing heat-related illnesses and fatalities, highlighting the importance of safe working conditions.