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We are a faith-based farm worker solidarity organization working for justice with the local farm worker community in the Northwest
Oregon OSHA has proposed permanent rules on labor conditions in heat and smoke. Public comment and testimony from workers is critical to the final implementation of what we hope will be the strongest rules in support of worker’s safety in the nation.
You are invited to learn more about the rules and how to make public comment on Friday, February 18th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm via Zoom. This briefing is hosted by PCUN, OEC, Northwest Workers' Justice Project, and Climate Jobs PDX.
Please register in advance for the briefing using this link.
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon OSHA has proposed new rules "that would strengthen protections for Oregon workers against health and safety hazards linked to the impacts of climate change: extreme heat and wildfire smoke," the agency said Tuesday.
"The rules would provide the strongest such protections in the nation," according to Oregon OSHA.
The agency said:
The proposed heat illness prevention rule encompasses a variety of protective measures, including access to shade and cool water, work/rest schedules, information and training, and other preventive actions and plans. The proposed wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication steps.
“These rulemaking efforts demonstrate our commitment to bolstering Oregon’s ability to protect workers – especially vulnerable workers who work outdoors – from extraordinary hazards that have been worsened by climate change,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services , which includes Oregon OSHA. “The dangers of extreme heat and wildfire smoke are not going away. That is why we must continue to build up our safeguards against them.”
The agency will seek public input on the proposals through mid-March.
“We welcome public input on these rule proposals, which are intended to increase protections for workers while creating greater clarity, practicality, and predictability for employers as they move forward,” said Lou Savage, interim administrator for Oregon OSHA. “These proposals reflect Oregon OSHA’s longstanding mission to advance safety and health for all Oregon workers.”
The division anticipates adopting the rules in April 2022.
