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As summers grow ever hotter, OSHA appears ready to protect workers

Summary

The article explores the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's (OSHA) potential new rule to provide federal protection against heat exposure in the workplace. In a world experiencing increasingly hot summers, the proposed standard aims to require companies to prioritize employees' well-being during extreme heat. OSHA, after conducting public meetings and collecting over 1,000 comments, is expected to publish the rule later in the year. The potential components include mandatory education programs, recognition of heat stress as a medical emergency, prohibition of retaliation against complaints, and requirements for breaks, accessible water, and protective equipment. The article highlights the impact of heat exposure on workers' productivity, emphasizing the need for protective measures in the face of climate change. Despite opposition from some industry segments, the article suggests that protecting workers from heat is essential for long-term economic stability and human well-being.

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