COSH National Citizens’ Assembly on 5 September addresses the dangers of heat hazards in the workplace – Workplace Health and Safety

COSH National Citizens' Assembly on 5 September addresses the dangers of heat hazards in the workplace

Workers and officials will discuss the proposed OSHA heat standard and possible solutions on September 5, 2024.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• 04 September 2024

As extreme heat continues to pose a threat to workers across the United States, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) is organizing a virtual town hall meeting to address this issue.

The event, titled Fired Up! Town Hall: Workers Speak Out for Heat Justice – is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, at 3 p.m. ET. This discussion, available in both English and Spanish, brings together frontline workers and key public officials to discuss the dangers associated with extreme heat in the workplace and explore potential solutions.

This discussion comes on the heels of OSHA's release of a proposed standard for preventing heat injury and illness, which is currently open for public comment. The proposed standard aims to create nationwide safeguards against heat-related workplace injuries and fatalities, a problem that will only be exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.

“Every day, workers suffer under the relentless threat of extreme heat – and some lose their lives,” said Jessica E. Martinez, executive director of National COSH, in a press release. “At our Fired Up! Town Hall, we will amplify the voices of those on the front lines demanding change and discuss policy solutions that can dramatically reduce risks and save lives.”

The event will feature remarks by Assistant Secretary of Labor Doug Parker and Judy Chu (D-Calif.), one of the sponsors of the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury and Death Prevention Act. The town hall will also feature testimonials from workers who have experienced the dangers of extreme heat firsthand.

For more information about the town hall or to register to participate, visit the event page.