Faith in Action
Support the OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule
Extreme heat conditions are becoming increasingly common. Just this past July, the Earth saw its two hottest days on record, and 2024 is predicted to be the hottest year ever, due to climate change and our pollution of God’s planet with climate-warming gasses. Rising temperatures threaten biodiversity, air and water quality, sea-levels, and more - they also pose a significant danger to human health.
In August, the U.S Department of Labor announced a proposed rule - the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Indoor and Outdoor Work Settings Rule - that would “more clearly set employer obligations and the measures necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat.” The rule requires employers to create plans to evaluate and respond to heat-related hazards in their workplace, mandating actions such as: rest breaks with cooling measures, providing drinking water, and training for signs of heat-related illnesses.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting comments on the rule through December 2024. It is important that the faith community demonstrate robust support for climate justice and worker safety, so that the rule is finalized without delay.
In August, the U.S Department of Labor announced a proposed rule - the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Indoor and Outdoor Work Settings Rule - that would “more clearly set employer obligations and the measures necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat.” The rule requires employers to create plans to evaluate and respond to heat-related hazards in their workplace, mandating actions such as: rest breaks with cooling measures, providing drinking water, and training for signs of heat-related illnesses.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting comments on the rule through December 2024. It is important that the faith community demonstrate robust support for climate justice and worker safety, so that the rule is finalized without delay.