OSHA Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat Dangers

ACTION ALERT

Callings all nurses. We need you to sign on to a support letter. For the first time in US history, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed rules that protect indoor and outdoor workers from extreme heat risks. Fewer than ten states have standards, and Arizona is not one. Some cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, have ordinances for their workers. These rules protect our farm workers, construction workers, park and landscape workers, and other workers exposed to extreme weather. Once final, this rule will protect approximately 36 million workers. It will save lives and avoid illnesses.

Nurses see these workers in clinics and hospitals when they become ill after working on days that often reach 110 degrees or higher. As the heat rises and stays above 110 degrees, symptoms of heat cramps, exhaustion, or, worse, heat stroke are seen in greater numbers.

Why This Matters

• Heat is the greatest cause of extreme weather mortality
• Nationally, heat-related deaths have steadily increased. 2023 has been the deadliest in AZ, and 2024 will likely be no different.
• Agriculture industry: 19.5 deaths/100K (2021)
• High temperatures lead to other climate-related events, including poor air quality, wildfires, and extreme weather events like flooding.

Why Your Voice Matters

• Nurses are trusted sources of information for the public
• Public trust extends to your role as a source of information about climate change; you are an effective messenger for communicating important information about climate change and health (George Mason Center for Climate Change Communications)

Sign In Support of the OSHA Rule

What We Are Reading & Listening to this Week

• DOE announces nearly $2B in funding for power grid upgrades (AZ Digital Free Press)
• Phoenix passes $60M shade plan; plant trees and build shade structures (azcentral)
• Infection Plus Exposure to Traffic-related Air Pollution Increases Alzheimer’s Risk 177% (Medscape Nurses)

Join Us

• December 6^th: 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm (EST) Webinar: Climate Conversations: Reimagining Household Products Register
• December 10^th: 5:30 pm AzNA Climate Change & Health Workgroup Meeting Zoom Link
• December 11^th: 10:00 am: Arizona Extreme Heat Summit Report-Out [Zoom] Register
• December 11^th: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (AZ Time) Save the Date: Extreme Heat in Arizona featuring AzNA Climate Change & Health Workgroup, ANHE, and CAC
• March 1-4^th 2025: Our Planet, Our Health 2025 Climate Action Convention Washington DC Register

Thank you for joining us in making a healthier planet today!