WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor recently proposed a rule to aid in protecting millions of workers from the health risks of extreme heat. According to an OSHA press release, the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and reduce heat injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

“Every worker should come home safe and healthy at the end of the day, which is why the Biden-Harris administration is taking this significant step to protect workers from the dangers posed by extreme heat,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “As the most pro-worker administration in history, we are committed to ensuring that those doing difficult work in some of our economy’s most critical sectors are valued and kept safe in the workplace.”

“The notion of dictating a certain level of heat acclimatizing for people, especially in the first week of over 80 degrees and then at 90 degrees starting to actually trigger mandatory breaks and water—is probably going to save lives,” said Carol A. Sigmond, partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP, New York, N.Y.

Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.

“Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker. “Today’s proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.”