By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces backlash over its heat safety rollbacks.
The proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation is open for public comment until Dec. 30. It could bring long-awaited protections to millions of workers exposed to dangerous temperatures.
Micki Siegel de Hernandez, national deputy director of occupational safety and health for the Communications Workers of America, said Florida recorded more than 200 heat-related worker deaths between 2010 and 2020 and she is baffled by a controversial law Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in April to block local municipalities from enacting protections for workers.
“That bill also prohibits any kind of training or posting of information. It’s insane,” Siegel de Hernandez asserted. “It’s disgusting and insane, and also blames workers in the event that they do suffer from some kind of heat-related illness.”
DeSantis had sidestepped criticism of the bill by saying it did not come from him. Under the proposed OSHA rule, employers would be required to implement heat illness prevention plans, including access to water, rest breaks and shaded areas.
Siegel de Hernandez noted many of Florida’s workers, especially those in outdoor industries like construction and agriculture, are at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“All of these things are preventable and without a standard, workers will continue to die,” Siegel de Hernandez contended. “We need to get something passed as quickly as possible.”
The OSHA rule would mark the first federal legal protections for indoor and outdoor workers exposed to extreme heat. If approved, it could go into effect as early as next year.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has recommended heat safety standards since the 1970s. But this is the first time the U.S. government has proposed comprehensive heat safety regulations applicable to most industries.
Florida News Connection is a bureau of the Public News Service.
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