Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
Urges Inspections and Finalization of Federal Strong Heat Protection Standards Amid Rising Temperatures
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres sent a letter to Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer of the U.S. Department of Labor and Secretary Stewart Knox of the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, urging immediate and comprehensive measures to safeguard warehouse workers in the Inland Empire from dangerous heat conditions as summer temperatures soar.
The Inland Empire serves as a critical logistics hub—handling nearly 40 percent of America’s imported goods—supporting approximately 200,000 transportation and warehousing jobs. Recent years have seen record-breaking heat waves with outdoor temperatures exceeding 110°F and indoor warehouse temperatures reaching 89°F, posing significant health risks to workers. This year, the Inland Empire experienced temperatures of nearly 100°F before Memorial Day, and last week, the region was under a heat advisory.
“Inland Empire warehouse workers are the backbone of our supply chain and economy,” said Congresswoman Torres. “They deserve protection from extreme heat with access to water, fans, and adequate training to prevent heat-related illnesses. Frequent and thorough inspections are critical to ensuring that important heat-related workplace requirements are adhered to and workers’ rights are protected.”
For the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, its Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) on July 24, 2024, finalized California’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention regulation, which mandates safety measures when indoor temperatures reach 82°F. Rep. Torres applauded this action but called for ongoing reminders to employers and increased inspection frequency during heat waves.
For the U.S. Department of Labor, Rep. Torres urges their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promptly finalize its proposed rule on “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings,” published last year in August, to establish strong, enforceable protections for workers nationwide.
The letter requests details from both agencies outlining their comprehensive plans for inspections, including training, information and equipment provided to workers during the summer, along with a post-summer report or briefing on:
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Lessons learned from inspection efforts and their effectiveness.
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The working conditions and job impacts on the hottest summer days.
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Recommendations for employers and steps taken to address violations.
“Protecting our workers from indoor heat hazards is not just a safety issue—it is a matter of fairness and respect for those who keep our economy moving,” added Congresswoman Torres. “As summers grow hotter, we must act decisively to prevent heat illnesses and fatalities in our warehouses.”
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