More than 130 organizations, led by consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, have petitioned OSHA to establish a heat protection standard for workers.
The petition says that a heat stress standard is necessary because global warming has caused more days of extreme heat, and each summer is producing record-breaking temperatures. The petitioners include two former assistant secretaries of labor for OSHA, medical professionals, individuals, and worker welfare groups.
The petitioners ask that employers be required to provide mandatory 15-minute to 45-minute rest breaks at certain heat thresholds, access to shade, and personal protective equipment like cooling vests and light-colored, breathable fabric. Other requested measures include:
· Access to water and electrolytes
· A heat acclimatization plan
· Heat-exposure monitoring
· Medical monitoring for those exposed to heat above certain levels
· Signage warning of the dangers of heat stress
· A written heat alert program
· Instructor-led worker training
· Record-keeping of heat-related injuries and deaths
· Whistleblower protection for those reporting violations of the heat standard
OSHA currently has no heat-specific standards, but it does offer guidelines on preventing workers from suffering heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. It also provides information on how to recognize heat-related illnesses in coworkers and how to administer first aid.
Related Stories
| Feb 20, 2013
Higher standards, efficiency programs keys to 40% energy usage reduction in commercial buildings since 1980
Commercial buildings have seen a drop in their energy intensity of more than 40% since 1980, according to a recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.
| Feb 12, 2013
Higher education institutions providing leadership on sustainability
More than 665 U.S. colleges and universities have publicly committed to pursue net-zero carbon emissions.
| Feb 12, 2013
ASHRAE publishes protocols for performance measurement
ASHRAE has published “Performance Measurement Procedures for Commercial Buildings: Best Practices Guide,” a how-to guide for continuously evaluating and improving the performance of commercial buildings throughout their service life.
| Feb 12, 2013
California resolves ADA inconsistencies with 2013 building code
The recently adopted 2013 California Building Code (CBC) revisions bring the state code in line with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act 2010.
| Feb 12, 2013
Bullitt Foundation says Living Building Challenge can only be met after code change
The 50,000 sf Bullitt Center in Seattle is being constructed to be the greenest, most energy-efficient commercial building in the world, and meet the ambitious goals of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 12, 2013
Tilt-Up Concrete Assn. offers technical advice on 2012 International Energy Code
The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) says it can be a major industry resource in helping designers adhere to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
| Feb 8, 2013
WDMA releases national policy agenda for windows, doors, skylights
Document urges a regulatory stance that will support manufacturing, including favorable building codes and tax policy.
| Feb 6, 2013
Green-roofing bills approved by New Jersey's state Assembly
Two bills that would require installation of green and blue roofs on new government buildings received overwhelming approval from the state Assembly in New Jersey.
| Feb 6, 2013
BOMA favors voluntary energy benchmarking and disclosure, opposes mandates
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International announced support for voluntary energy benchmarking, but said it opposes mandates for benchmarking, disclosure, and labeling that many states and municipalities are implementing.
| Feb 6, 2013
Lumber Standard Committee approves new Southern Pine design value changes
The American Lumber Standard Committee Board of Review has approved the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s design value changes for all sizes and grades of visually graded Southern Pine dimension lumber.
