There is no comprehensive federal or Virginia standard protecting workers against heat stress.  Without protections, Virginia’s workers are at risk of severe illness or death.  Heat kills more Americans than any other weather-related hazard.[1]  Heat illnesses occur when the total heat load exceeds what the body can handle while maintaining normal functions.[2]  Workers are at risk of heat stress in both outdoor work and indoor work, particularly when engaged in strenuous activities or with inadequate air conditioning.[3]  Even when heat illness is not a problem, productivity can suffer.[4]  Between 1992 and 2016, at least 783 workers died of heat stress and 69,374 workers were seriously injured.[5]

Virginia cannot wait for OSHA or Congress to take possible future action.  OSHA has shown no willingness to promulgate heat stress protections. Please support the heat stress standards.