#USA #Washington, D.C. #OSHA #Heat Justice #Workers Protection

National Organizations Unite for Heat Justice

The urgency to protect workers from life-threatening extreme heat is not just an environmental issue but a critical worker safety concern. As of June 2025, numerous national organizations have banded together to kick off the 'Fired Up For Heat Justice' initiative, a nationwide effort responding to the growing risks posed by heat exposure in the workplace. The move is particularly strategic as it aligns with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) public hearing on the proposed heat stress rule.

With more than 69 million workers in the U.S. vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, this coalition aims to voice the pressing need for regulations that ensure fundamental protections such as access to water, shade, and rest breaks. Currently, no federal rules exist that require employers to provide these essential safety measures. Organizations from various sectors—construction, agriculture, service, and many others—have joined forces to advocate for policy changes that could save lives.

Jazmin Moreno-Dominguez, an Organizing Manager at Agave Community Threads, speaks candidly about her personal experiences with extreme heat as she recalls the disturbing effects it had on her father, who returned home dehydrated after a long day of work. For her, witnessing such distressing situations is a call to action; she believes no family should endure the implications of dangerous working conditions. This sentiment is echoed throughout the coalition, revealing the shared struggle numerous workers face daily.

This coalition was born out of frustration with the lack of progress on heat regulations By the previous administration. The Biden administration had proposed regulations last year that would tackle heat stress, but the necessary steps to finalize these rules were never completed due to time constraints. Advocates are now concerned that the previous government's effort to roll back regulations may hinder the establishment of any meaningful protections.

In light of this, workers are urged to find solutions through available means such as employer guidelines, state laws, and community initiatives that prioritize health and safety. Ana Mejía, a member of WeCount!, describes her experiences working at a plant nursery in Florida, illustrating the daily challenges of enduring intense heat without proper hydration and rest. Her narrative is a stark reminder of the essential rights workers demand, such as access to water and safe resting areas.

As summer intensifies the threat of heat-related health issues, the coalition continues to emphasize that lives depend on immediate action. BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh reiterates the urgency of implementing national heat standards that address the changing climate's impact on workers. He implores the current administration to prioritize and enact these necessary protections before further tragedies occur.

During the Nationwide Week of Action, organizers plan to deliver testimonies at OSHA's public hearing, alongside a rally in Washington, D.C., to advocate for worker safety rights during extreme weather conditions. Beyond this gathering, local actions will also be planned across various states to bring attention to this critical issue. The initiative underscores that every worker’s health and safety are paramount and that preventive measures must be a priority in policy-making.

In closing, the Heat Justice Now coalition, composed of numerous supporting organizations, aims to keep the heat stress issue front and center in the public consciousness. They encourage community support, highlighting that protecting the workforce is a shared responsibility. For individuals and organizations wanting to find out more about how they can support the mission, more information is available at heatjusticenow.org.

As the coalition embarks on this pivotal initiative, it signifies not only a battle for regulatory standards but a fight for the dignity and well-being of workers across America. It stands as a testament to collective advocacy, driving home the message that every worker deserves a safe and healthy work environment, especially in challenging weather conditions.