People sit with their feet in the fountain at the World War II Monument during a heat wave on the National Mall on June 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. Temperatures in Washington reached 98 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures on the East Coast rose dramatically. (Photo by Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Senior Biden administration officials on Tuesday announced a proposed rule aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses in the workplace as climate change brings higher temperatures across the country.
Speaking to reporters Monday, officials spoke on background about the new rule, which the administration submitted to the Federal Register for review on Tuesday. Depending on the heat index, the rule would require employers to monitor workers’ exposure to heat, provide cool-down rooms and take mandatory cool-down breaks.
The new rule comes as extreme temperatures are expected to sweep across much of the country at some point during the year. Heat waves are now more common than they were in the 1960s, up from an average of two per year to six in the 2020s, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Heat waves have also increased in duration and intensity.
Officials also pointed to record-breaking heat waves in June, high temperatures during the Fourth of July holiday and above-average temperatures in July.
The rule would cover 35 million workers whose work involves activities that can raise body temperatures. That includes those who work in construction, agriculture and landscaping, as well as those who work indoors, such as kitchen staff, who are exposed to heat indexes of 80 degrees or higher.
One notable aspect of the proposed rule includes acclimation requirements. New or returning workers who are not accustomed to the heat levels would be required to have a gradual increase in workload or a 15-minute rest break every two hours.
According to a senior official, 75% of workers who die on the job from heat-related illnesses die in the first week. This rule would “significantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries and illnesses,” the official said.
Along with the new rule, administration officials announced $1 billion in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 93 different communities and tribes. This includes $50 million to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for stormwater pumping to mitigate flooding and $6 million to Greensboro, North Carolina for an improved drainage channel.
Through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, funding will be used to develop infrastructure that can better withstand extreme weather events.
Officials pointed to the increase in wildfires, hurricanes and floods as a growing concern for Americans.
“Besides posing a direct threat to lives and livelihoods, major weather events also have significant economic impacts,” an official said.
Another senior administration official said the announced measures are part of President Joe Biden’s broader commitment to strengthen the country against the growing threats of climate change.
“We are taking action, bold action, historic action and action that actually produces meaningful, visible differences on the ground,” the official said.
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