The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has recently released a report on “Solving the Climate Crisis” calling for a federal heat safety standard.
It recommends that Congress should direct the Secretary of Labor to establish a standard on prevention of occupational exposure to excessive heat and require employers to implement a workplace excessive heat prevention plan to protect employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses.
Standards and requirements should consider: (1) exposure limits that trigger action to protect employees from heat-related illness; (2) hydration; (3) scheduled and paid rest breaks in shaded or climate-controlled spaces; (4) employer and supervisor training; and (5) emergency medical response planning.