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OSHA heat standard and workplace safety take center stage as members press Department of Labor
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Summary
Members from both parties told Secretary Laurie Chavez de Reamer that protecting workers from heat and violence in health care are high priorities; the secretary said OSHA rulemaking is active and she will follow the rulemaking process and work with stakeholders.
Several committee members used the June 5 hearing to press the Department of Labor on two OSHA priorities: a workplace violence prevention standard for health care and a federal heat‑safety standard for outdoor and indoor workers.
Why it matters: Lawmakers described both topics as life‑and‑death issues for frontline workers — nurses and other health personnel facing workplace violence, and outdoor and manual laborers exposed to extreme heat. Members from high‑heat states (Arizona, Texas) and those representing health care workers urged decisive federal standards.
What the secretary said: Laurie Chavez de Reamer said workplace safety is a core DOL mission and that the department will continue rulemaking work on standards begun in prior administrations. She declined to comment on the particulars of any active rulemaking while agencies follow the Administrative Procedure Act and litigation limitations but said OSHA will analyze public input and that she is committed to protecting workers. On heat specifically she said the department values the rulemaking process and will report to the committee on progress. On workplace violence prevention in health care she said the department recognizes the urgency and will continue rulemaking and stakeholder engagement.
Member concerns and requests: Rep. Joe Courtney (D‑Conn.) pressed for aggressive movement on a workplace violence prevention rule for 15 million health care workers, noting bipartisan backing from professional groups and labor unions. Rep. Greg Casar (D‑TX) and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D‑AZ) asked the department to ensure firm protections for workers in high heat conditions and to resist industry efforts to weaken any effective standard. Members asked the secretary to commit to meeting with them and to provide technical assistance and periodic reports; the secretary agreed.
Ending: The department said it will continue the rulemaking process and work with Congress and stakeholders to refine standards; members signaled they will follow up with oversight and legislative proposals if necessary.
