Congress may kill the federal heat rule before OSHA can
The Biden-era heat safety rule was already languishing. Now, in a summer of record-breaking heat, a congressional committee has moved to block it entirely. What gives?
July marked the hottest month ever recorded in the United States, triggered by three heat domes that lingered over the country. One such dome caused Phoenix, Arizona to endure an 18-day extreme heat warning, the state's second-longest. Despite this, Congress recently approved a bill that would prevent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from finalizing a rule to safeguard workers from heat stress.
H.R. 6213, introduced by Mark Messmer, an Indiana representative, argues the proposed rule is "unnecessary" and burdens employers. Labor advocates are alarmed by the progress of this bill, given the record-breaking summer temperatures. They contend that the proposed OSHA rule is based on scientific evidence and would require employers to provide workers with rest, shade, and water on the job.
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