Natalia, a 58-year old veteran farmworker from Florida, is subject to wretched humid heat in her workplace, which currently lacks federal regulations to protect workers from heat exposure. However, a new rule from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) could change that. The agency has collected over 1,000 comments from workers and businesses and is considering various components for the proposed standard. The rule aims to provide federal protection to heat exposure and require companies to invest in employees’ well-being during the hottest parts of the year.
The rule would also mandate workplace education programs to teach workers and managers about heat illness and its risks. It may require employers to provide regular breaks, clean water, and protective equipment. Additionally, the standard could allow employees to acclimate to intense heat gradually. Despite the potential benefits, the federal rulemaking process is complex and could take several years to finalize.
While OSHA is pushing for a federal standard, some states have already implemented their own heat standards. California, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon have such guidelines, and Colorado is considering one. However, states in the South, including Florida, have faced opposition to implementing heat standards.
The opposition from business interests may be short-sighted, as research shows that protecting workers from heat is crucial in the face of climate change. Heat exposure not only impacts crop yields but also impairs the productivity of agricultural workers. Without improvements in working conditions, workers in hot and humid regions like Florida could see their work capacity reduced by the end of the century.
Despite the challenges of implementing a federal standard, advocates like Jeannie Economos emphasize the urgency of such a rule. With workers currently at risk, a federal heat protection standard is crucial to prevent further heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
