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
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2019
Codes organizations to develop new guidelines on shipping containers as building components
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute combine forces.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2019
Plan for transformation of Lower Manhattan streetscapes unveiled
Pedestrian-friendly “Slow Streets” pilot starts on Earth Day 2019.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2019
Newly developed building materials could have big impact on sustainability
Transparent wood, self-cooling walls, bricks that filter air pollutants among the technological breakthroughs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.