AUSTIN, Texas — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Tuesday proposed a new rule aimed at protecting 36 million workers in the U.S. from extreme heat.

What You Need To Know

  • Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, is celebrating OSHA's proposal of a new rule aimed at protecting 36 million workers in the U.S. from extreme heat

  • Under the new rule, employers would be required to create injury and illness prevention plans, evaluate heat risks, implement water and rest breaks, control indoor heat and respond to workers experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness

  • The Department of Labor encourages the public to submit written comments on the rule when it’s published in the federal register

Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, is celebrating the decision one year after holding a thirst strike with workers on the steps of the Texas Capitol to urge the Biden administration and the Department of Labor to protect Texas workers.

“For decades, workers have been organizing for federal protections from the extreme heat. Despite opposition from big corporations, these working families are finally winning the protections they deserve,” said Casar. “Greg Abbott tried to take rest breaks away from everyday Texans, but now we’re one step closer to securing heat protections for all Americans on the job. Employers can adopt OSHA’s proposed rule and protect their workers today. For those workplaces who don’t, I will work with the Biden Administration to finalize this rule as soon as possible.”

Under the new rule, employers would be required to create injury and illness prevention plans, evaluate heat risks, implement water and rest breaks, control indoor heat and respond to workers experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness.

“Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “Today’s proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.”

In 2023, a Dallas USPS mail carrier died from hyperthermia and other causes. He was delivering mail along his route in the sweltering June heat. One of his customers administered CPR to Eugene Gates, but he didn't make it.

The Department of Labor encourages the public to submit written comments on the rule when it’s published in the federal register.

Scorching temperatures have been hitting the Southeast hard this summer, and workers who have to spend more time outdoors are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.