To: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Take action today to save lives

We, the undersigned, urge you to implement a federal heat stress standard for outdoor and indoor workers in all industries so that workers are protected from dangerous heat on the job.

Heat stress can result in heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Climate change is rapidly increasing this hazard for U.S. workers, and yet there are no national protections in place to prevent this growing occupational danger.

In the absence of national protections, three states have implemented some form of protective heat standards for their workers. It's time to catch up and issue a federal standard that protects workers from heat stress.

Why is this important?

Soaring temperatures at work will make thousands of Americans seriously ill this summer. Some will even suffer a heat stroke and lose their lives. In California we dealt with this problem by fighting to establish the first permanent outdoor heat regulations in the nation. In 2015 we were able to improve the regulations to protect even more workers. Washington has taken some action to protect outdoor workers, but more is needed. Minnesota has laws protecting indoor workers. But there are 47 other states.

People are concerned. It's such a public health risk that many groups have gotten together to demand action on a national level. We're proud to join these efforts and to do everything we can to protect, among others, the people who labor so hard to put food on your table.

Tell the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement a national heat stress standard requiring employers to protect workers from extreme heat. Sign the petition today and demand better protections for those working in extreme heat.

In recent years, record-high temperatures have been seen across the country. But many states don't have adequate laws to protect their workers. Workers often suffer from heat exhaustion, which can escalate to heat stroke and even death. And this danger is increasing rapidly with climate change.

The solution is simple: Heat illness can be prevented by access to water, shade and rest breaks. But many employers won't provide these basic needs voluntarily. The Sunnyside, WA dairy worker in this picture has some protection but needs more. The last five days have had highs from 97-105°. Dairy workers work year-round day and night regardless of weather.

Many employers deny workers these basic needs — putting countless people at risk every summer. Some may even die. Take action now before any more lives are lost by signing this petition to OSHA.