TAMPA, FL - Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) led the entire Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation in urging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promptly implement the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule. This proposed rule aims to protect workers from the increasing dangers of extreme heat exposure in the workplace, a growing concern in Florida and across the United States as temperatures continue to rise.

“Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States, and scientists predict that temperatures will continue to rise in the coming years along with devastating health and economic consequences,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “As temperatures continue to break records and workers suffer under increasingly hazardous conditions, we urge OSHA to move forward expeditiously to finalize the rule to protect workers across the country, including in Florida. In the meantime, we also urge OSHA to continue existing outreach and enforcement efforts in areas where workers are exposed to heat hazards and increase inspections in high-risk industries like construction and agriculture.”

The lawmakers further emphasized the importance of a robust rule to counter a recent anti-worker Florida law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that limits local protections for workers facing heat exposure. Additionally, the lawmakers encouraged further protections, such as expanding the rule to all employers regardless of workforce size, ensuring easy access to cool drinking water and preventing retaliation against employees who report unsafe conditions. The Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule has been published in the Federal Register and can be viewed here https://federalregister.gov/d/2024-14824. The comment period is open until December 30, 2024.

Read the full letter here.