Heat wave “Alerts” from DOL
Hazard alert for workers
The Department of Labor will boost efforts to protect workers from extreme heat as temperature records fall in the Southwest and elsewhere, President Biden announced on July 27th. The White House asked the DOL to issue a formal "hazard alert" that will reaffirm that workers have heat-related protections under federal law.
- It will provide employers information on protecting workers, and help ensure workers know their rights.
- The department will ramp up enforcement of heat-safety violations, expanding inspections of "high risk" sectors.
It's the first time the Labor Department has used the "hazard alert" tool to address extreme heat. Other efforts include:
- Increased NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) investments to improve weather forecasts to ensure that Americans have the tools and resources needed to stay safe.
- Interior Department steps to help ensure drinking water availability in drought-stricken western communities.
Department of Labor announces hazard alert| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Biden announces first-ever heat wave "hazard alert" for workers (axios.com)
NOAA gets additional funding to improve weather forecasts (noaa.gov)
Commentary by: Raylea Stelmach
Edited by: Kim Moss
