(FreePressBeacon.com) – Looking to score political points in the aftermath of a disastrous debate, the Biden administration has introduced a proposal aiming to safeguard workers from extreme temperatures.
Announced amid nationwide temperature warnings, the proposed regulations are set to cover an estimated 36 million workers, both indoors and outdoors.
The regulations would compel employers to appoint heat safety coordinators, provide extreme heat safety training, develop and continuously update emergency heat response plans and ensure shade and water are available for employees.
Furthermore, the rule mandates a gradual heat acclimatization process for new workers, addressing the alarming statistic that three-quarters of heat-related workplace deaths occur within an employee’s first week.
According to senior administration officials, additional precautions would activate when workplace temperatures reach certain thresholds.
For instance, at an 80F heat index, there would be enhanced water access and temperature-controlled break areas, escalating to more frequent paid breaks and vigilant employee monitoring at 90F.
Failure to comply with these standards could lead to substantial fines, significantly higher than the current penalties under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s general-duty clause, which can already reach around $16,000.
This initiative is part of a broader response to the increasing danger posed by extreme heat, which remains the deadliest weather condition in the U.S. as it claims hundreds of lives each year.
The proposed rule, which extends to delivery personnel, construction workers and farm laborers, aims to significantly reduce heat-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. With the rule’s approval fast-tracked, it now awaits implementation across all states.
However, the path forward is fraught with potential hurdles, including opposition from various business sectors and potential legal battles.
Alongside this proposal, the administration also announced other climate and heat resilience strategies.
This includes a significant FEMA investment of $1 billion from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law into projects aimed at mitigating climate-related threats.
These funds are designated for a variety of projects across the nation, with a focus on aiding disadvantaged communities.
At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency is set to release a report highlighting the escalating impacts of the climate crisis on U.S. communities and ecosystems, illustrating a significant increase in the duration and intensity of heatwaves compared to the 1960s.
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