Miami-Dade responds to rising temperatures with proposed heat standards aiming to safeguard outdoor workers. The ordinance, if passed, mandates water and breaks in extreme heat, along with training and fines for non-compliance.
“One death in the hot sun is one too many. Give these people what they need, something I didn’t have growing up and that is simply water, sun protection, shade.”
Commissioner Kionne McGhee
While labor activists support the move, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) opposes it, citing adherence to federal OSHA guidelines and the ongoing development of a national heat-related rule. FRSA argues that Miami-Dade’s proposed standards, potentially more stringent than OSHA’s, may disrupt industry practices, hinder economic competitiveness, and conflict with anticipated national standards.
Key Takeways:
- Miami-Dade's Response to Record Heat: In response to hazardous heat conditions for outdoor workers, Miami-Dade proposes new heat standards aiming to protect around 80,000 agriculture and construction workers. However, concerns arise about potential adverse impacts on industries.
- Details of the Proposed Ordinance: The proposed ordinance mandates water and shaded breaks every two hours when the heat index reaches 90 degrees. Training on heat safety is required for workers and supervisors. Employers failing to comply face fines up to $3,000 per violation per day.
- Rationale and Opposition: High temperatures in Miami-Dade pose risks to over 300,000 outdoor workers, leading to an average of 34 heat-related deaths annually. While labor activists support the standards, industry opposition, exemplified by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), emphasizes adherence to federal OSHA guidelines, cautioning against adopting more stringent local standards.
The outcome remains uncertain, with the commission’s support, potential gubernatorial intervention, and industry impact all in question.
Check out the whole article here: Miami-Dade’s Proposed Heat Standards: Balancing Worker Safety and Industry Impact