CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The heat continues to be a significant cause for concern in the country.
On Tuesday, President Biden announced a proposed rule to protect indoor and outdoor workers from these extreme temperatures.
The proposal would require employers to provide drinking water and rest breaks when the combined temperature and relative humidity hit 80 degrees.
If the Heat Index hits 90 degrees, employers would also have to provide a minimum 15-minute, paid rest break every two hours.
So, are there workforce rules and regulations in the Carolina’s already in place for extreme heat?
SOURCES:
Right now in North and South Carolina, there are no occupational safety and health standards for heat.
However, according to OSHA, there is a general duty clause which says each employer should ensure the workplace is free from any recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious injury to their employees.
Heat stress is one of those hazards. Employers could get a violation if they fail to keep the workplace hazard-free or correct the hazard.
There are suggestions and guidance for employers to avoid heat-related illnesses. There are also programs to help employees and employers recognize the signs.
In South Carolina, OSHA suggests employers provide water and shaded areas for employees and monitor for heat-related illnesses.
According to the US Bureau of Labor's latest statistics, in 2022, there were 43 heat-related fatalities on the job in the U.S.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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