It’s honestly kinda sad that we even need something like this, but there’s been so many laws recently that seem to have cruelty towards low wage workers as their primary point.
The separation of the State and Federal governments really wasn’t equipped to deal with a death cult taking over.
OSHA standards are written in blood. We never get workplace rules forbidding dangerous practices until multiple people die from it. And I agree, it is sad that it is still this way after centuries of this.
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“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,” Parker said.
The department said that new regulations could provide protection for some 36 million workers nationwide, particularly people of color, who are more likely to work in roles that could expose them to extreme heat.
Heat-related deaths have climbed over the past few years as the globe continues to grapple with more extreme weather conditions, and scientific consensus says climate change brought on by human activity is to blame.
The Labor Department proposal would create a range of new protections based around two separate heat index thresholds.
At the first trigger, when the combined temperature and relative humidity hits 80 degrees, employers would be required to provide drinking water and rest breaks.
Getting the rule finalized will be an uphill battle during a tumultuous election year and amid strong opposition from deep-pocketed lobbying groups.
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