BOISE, Idaho — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a new federal rule that would provide protection from the heat for people working outside.
The past few days have been extremely hot in the Treasure Valley, which is also the case across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 479 workers died from heat related illnesses from 2012 to 2022.
In the Gem State, there are no rules protecting workers from these harsh conditions, only recommendations.
OSHA’s new rule would require employers to give employees longer breaks, shade and water, and to have safety plans in place. Depending on how high temperatures rise, employers will need to meet safety standards.
A change Irene Ruiz, Director of the Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance, said is needed.
"These protections are to ensure that our farmworkers are safe and that we actually treat them as human beings and not commodities,” Ruiz said.
She continued by saying one death of a farmworker from a heat-related illness is one too many.
If the rule changes are approved, they will apply to everyone working in the heat, including construction workers, roofers and even those indoors.
For more information about the proposed rule, visit OSHA’s website.
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