This week, we focus on two significant yet interconnected events that highlight the pressing nature of climate risk: President Joe Biden’s announcement of a new federal rule to protect workers from extreme heat and Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact on the Caribbean and southern Texas.
Biden’s new rule to protect workers from extreme heat
President Joe Biden announced the first-ever federal rule designed to protect workers from extreme heat in a landmark move. This rule aims to safeguard nearly 36 million outdoor and partially indoor workers across the United States. As extreme heat events become more frequent and severe, these protections are crucial to ensure the health and safety of those working outside for extended periods.
The new rule requires employers to develop and implement a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan that meets the standards set in the regulation.
Key components of this rule include:
- Heat trigger: The rule activates when the heat index meets or exceeds 80°F, or the wet bulb globe temperature reaches the recommended alert limit. The wet bulb globe temperature is a comprehensive measure that considers temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement, providing a more accurate assessment of heat stress risk than the heat index alone.
- Mandatory provisions: When these conditions are met, employers must:
- Provide water to workers.
- Ensure 15-minute paid rest breaks every two hours.
- Offer shaded break areas, either naturally or artificially.
- Ensure indoor break areas are air-conditioned and dehumidified.
- Educational and behavioral components: Workers will be educated on the signs of heat-related illnesses, and buddy systems may be mandatory to ensure quick recognition and response to symptoms.
Despite the clear need for these protections, the rule faces significant obstacles. It won’t be finalized until at least 2026, and its implementation depends on the outcomes of the November elections. Furthermore, the rule is likely to face legal challenges, especially with the recent reversal of the Chevron Doctrine, which limits the power of federal agencies like OSHA. States like Texas and Florida, which have already enacted laws banning such regulations, are expected to resist enforcement despite their high vulnerability to extreme heat.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl
While the new federal rule aims to mitigate the risks of extreme heat, Hurricane Beryl has provided a stark reminder of the broader climate challenges we face. Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane after wreaking havoc in Jamaica and parts of Mexico. The storm caused widespread damage, destroying crops, cutting off power, and severely impacting infrastructure.
Beryl's rapid intensification set several records. Within 48 hours, it turned from an unnamed depression to a Category 4 storm, with wind speeds increasing by 63 mph. It became the earliest Category 4 storm in June and strengthened to Category 5, making it the earliest storm of that strength in the Atlantic on record.
Meteorologists are deeply concerned about what this early-season storm portends for the rest of the hurricane season. The factors influencing hurricane behavior—air temperature, sea surface temperature, and ocean currents—have all been altered by climate change, leaving experts without reliable models to predict future storms. We are, quite literally, in uncharted territory.
The bigger picture
These stories underscore the urgency of addressing climate risk in business operations. Companies must reassess schedules and logistics to protect workers from extreme heat and prepare for supply chain disruptions caused by severe weather events. Investing in resilience now is crucial, whether developing heat protection plans or fortifying infrastructure against hurricanes.
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Sources:
1. Associated Press (AP), “How the hot water that fueled Hurricane Beryl foretells a scary storm season.” https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-beryl-hot-water-strong-climate-change-ddfb68c646e811e6f8b53e7451d1f6a6
2. Politico, “Biden announces heat rules as climate-related deaths rise.” https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/02/biden-heat-rules-climate-deaths-00166162
