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Lead on Winning and Enforcing the OSHA Heat Standard Rule
Extreme heat is a major concern across IAM industries. The IAM can build on its current advocacy to win implementation of the OSHA Heat Standard and educate members on heat safety in the workplace. In July 2024, OSHA released the new proposed Heat Standard Rule. If implemented, private employers will be required to supply water and break areas when the heat index reaches 80°F (26.6°C), provide 15-minute breaks every 2 hours, and monitor for symptoms of heat stress when the heat index rises above 90°F (32.2°C).376 At the earliest, the rule will be finalized in 2026, but it faces significant opposition from industry. A change in federal administration could also threaten the rule’s implementation.377
A campaign on this issue would simultaneously engage members in this federal fight and expand members’ knowledge on protecting themselves and their coworkers in extreme heat. The union can develop materials and training to educate members on protecting themselves in extreme heat, and the Safety and Health Department can review current curricula to ensure that heat safety is adequately addressed. Additionally, the union can incorporate language from the OSHA heat standard in bargaining demands to ensure that members are protected before the rule is finalized and in the event it is not implemented.
While heat stress affects everyone, workers of color are more likely to be working in jobs in extreme heat.378 IAM advocacy on this issue can advance workers’ rights and equity. Winning the OSHA Heat Standard and promulgating extensive safety and health training will help the union to organize, both internally and externally, and save workers’ lives.