The United Farm Workers and other groups also called on OSHA to immediately issue a nationwide rule protecting outdoor workers after farm worker deaths this month in Florida and Arizona. Urgent action is needed to prevent more deaths,″ the lawmakers wrote in a letter Monday.

“We know extreme weather events such as heat waves are becoming more frequent and more dangerous due to climate change. Greg Casar and Sylvia Garcia of Texas and Judy Chu of California have called on the administration to implement the new heat standard for outdoor workers as quickly as possible. More than 100 members of Congress, led by Democratic Reps. In addition, the administration launched a website called with interactive maps, weather forecasts and tips for keeping cool amid record-breaking heat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been helping cities and towns map “heat islands” with dense buildings and fewer trees, and the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for creating more tree canopy coverage, which helps with cooling environments. The Environmental Protection Agency also has provided assistance to help communities develop cooling centers within schools. To keep low-income populations cool, the Department of Health and Human Services expanded its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to provide more access to air conditioning and cooling centers such as libraries, senior centers or other public buildings. OSHA is holding meetings this summer to hear comments on how the heat standard would affect small businesses. The proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would require employers to provide adequate water and rest breaks to outdoor workers, as well as medical services and training to address signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. The Department of Labor is developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat. Thursday’s announcement follows other steps that the Biden administration has taken to adapt to increasing threats from extreme heat.

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