On December 23, 2024, the Center for American Progress submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the agency’s proposed rulemaking on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Notice in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. Although extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States and heat-related illness has been recognized as an occupational hazard for decades, there is no heat-specific federal law that protects workers in America from extreme heat.
CAP’s letter applauds the Department of Labor for proposing a strong standard that will save lives and protect the health of both outdoor and indoor workers, many of whom face health and safety risks from lack of or inadequate access to shade, water, air conditioning, and other cooling mechanisms. The letter also recommends modifications to the proposed standard to clarify and ensure that it offers appropriate protections for workers.
Click here to read CAP’s comment letter.