Labor Secretary to Visit Tucson as OSHA Promotes Federal Heat Protections for Workers

PHOENIX (AZ family) — Phoenix has had its hottest summer on record this year, but there are still no heat-related workplace regulations. Now the federal government is proposing new safety measures to better protect workers from the heat nationwide.

“It’s hard to overstate how much this proposal will save lives if it becomes the rule,” said Katelyn Parady, a Phoenix-based staff member at the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health.

If passed, it would be the first federal regulation for workers who work indoors and outdoors. Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to develop preventive plans to better protect workers from heat-related injuries and deaths.

“Basic common sense measures to protect against heat exposure: water, shade, rest. All of those things that we know save people and keep them safe at work,” Parady said.

Opponents such as the American Farm Bureau Foundation say the new rules “represent a one-size-fits-all regulation that fails to take into account a variety of regional differences.”

Cities and counties across the state have been implementing more safety measures in recent months.

In March, Phoenix passed an ordinance requiring heat protection for city contractors. Pima County passed a countywide heat safety ordinance last month. Still, Parady said those regulations are limited and don’t protect everyone.

“I think the question on most people’s minds is, why is it taking so long to hold companies accountable?” Parady said.

Acting Labor Department Secretary Julie Su will visit Tucson on Wednesday to lead a panel discussion with local leaders and unions on protecting workers from the heat.

OSHA released proposed heat regulations in July. It is now seeking public comment before releasing the final regulations.

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