Janice R. Andrews
Today was yet another blow to California workers, who have long expected rules protecting them from interior heat. The regulation was unexpectedly removed from the agenda yesterday night, even though it was anticipated that the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board would vote on its acceptance.
The administration of the governor claimed unanticipated expenses for state prisons, which infuriated supporters and employees.
Unexpectedly, the safety board decided to adopt the indoor heat rule unanimously even though it had been taken off the schedule. The members conveyed their dissatisfaction with the last-minute withdrawal and underscored the pressing requirement for safeguards in a range of sectors.
The California Labor Federation’s Lorena Gonzalez praised the board’s ruling as “amazing” and “unprecedented,” calling for immediate implementation. The Department of Finance withdrew its support for the rule, citing increased expenditures for state prisons, thus its future is still unknown.
There are only a few days left before an important administrative deadline, and the board and state legislators have called for immediate action due to the delay. To speed up the process, Cal/OSHA has being requested to reintroduce the rule as an emergency regulation.
Advocates are unwavering in their desire for rights, even in the face of obstacles and resistance from employers—especially as temperatures continue to climb as a result of climate change. Reports of worker sickness and deaths highlight the need for interior heat limits and highlight how urgent it is to address this important public health issue.
Keep checking back for more details as this story develops.
