Protect Workers from Rising Temperatures

"Dear OSHA,

We, the undersigned, urge you to implement a federal heat stress standard for outdoor and indoor workers in all industries so that workers are protected from dangerous heat on the job.

Heat stress can result in heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Climate change is rapidly increasing this hazard for U.S. workers, yet there are no national protections to prevent this growing occupational danger.

In the absence of national protections, three states have implemented some form of protective heat standards for their workers. It’s time to catch up and issue a federal standard that protects workers from heat stress."

Join us in urging the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) to implement a national heat standard requiring employers to protect workers from extreme heat.

Workers often suffer from heat exhaustion, which can escalate to heat stroke and even death.

And this danger is increasing rapidly with climate change.

Heat can affect everyone exposed to hot temperatures — from workers laboring outside in the hot sun to workers who lack ventilation indoors.

Fortunately, the solution is straightforward: access to water, rest breaks and shade or air conditioning.

But most employers won’t provide these basic needs voluntarily.