MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT:

Workers deserve to be protected from extreme heat on-the-job

BE HEARD: YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON OSHA'S HEAT PROTECTION STANDARD

Background

On June 26, Sebastian Francisco Perez collapsed and died after moving irrigation lines on an Oregon farm and nursery in 104 degrees. Mr. Perez is one of more than 800 U.S. workers killed in the last two decades, and tens of thousands more who suffered heat illnesses, as a result of employers who failed to provide simple protections like rest, cool break areas, and water.

Taking action for federal heat protections:

OSHA is inviting comments to begin the process of developing a heat standard.

Standards tell employers what they must do to protect their employees from dangers.  All standards require that the federal agency get input from workers, employers and other stakeholders when developing such rules.

Workers and supporting organizations will have the opportunity to provide comments to OSHA about WHY these protections are needed and WHAT they should include.

What should be included in comments:

The need for the standard -- Workers’ experiences:
It’s important to let OSHA know WHY the standard is so important.  What are the problems workers are facing in their workplace that puts them at great risk of becoming sick and dying from exposure to heat.  These stories should include what the work situation is like, what the effect is on you and other workers, if the employer doesn’t respond, if it is difficult to speak up about the problems (and why), what changes would make a difference.

What should be included in the standard:

Comments do not need to give a lot of detail about what should be included in the standard.

Some very important pieces that should be in the standard are:

• Employers must be required to develop and implement a comprehensive excessive heat prevention plan to protect employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses.
• Workers need to be included in the development of the plan
• Workers must be trained in the plan in the language they speak or prefer
• Workers must be able to speak up about the hazards and report any health problems on the job without retaliation.

You can include any other details you think are important - but do not need to do so.