Sen. Brown calls on OSHA to implement federal heat protections
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D-TX) are calling on the Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration (OSHA) to implement a federal workplace heat standard as soon as possible.
Brown is asking OSHA to implement heat standards based off his Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, which would create a universal heat standard requirement for workers who are threatened by hot working conditions.
The Standard would require employers to provide:
-adequate hydration;
-rest breaks
-areas for breaks that are shaded (in case of outdoor work) or air conditioned (in case of indoor work)
-Medical services and training to address signs and symptoms of heat-related illness: and
-a plan for acclimatization to high-heat work conditions
According to his office, Brown reintroduced the legislation in 2021.
More than 110 members of the house and senate signed the letter.
