OSHA

More than 400 workers died due to heat exposure between 2011 and 2021, according to federal records. Five states have created their own workplace heat safety rules, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working on a new safety standard.

The regulation, which applies to some 50,000 employers, aims to increase disclosure and public accountability for safety on the job.

The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a rising problem. Firms will soon be required to give more information about injuries and sicknesses.

The Biden Administration ordered OSHA to draw up workplace heat standards. How soon will they be in place?

Under the requirements, OSHA had issued COVID-specific workplace standards for things like training, respirators and adequate ventilation.

A presidential order requiring a new standard means the pressure’s on.

There are still no emergency COVID standards from OSHA for other industries like meatpacking and farming.

There are giant holes to fill, but also a huge pool of people with experience in government who are ready to go.

The order also asks OSHA to strengthen its workplace enforcement efforts.

The agency is responsible for the health and safety of about 130 million workers in the U.S., employed at more than 8 million worksites.