Senator Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, announced on Apr. 29 that he and Senator Jim Risch introduced the Heat Workforce Standards Act with support from six other Republican senators. The legislation aims to prevent new federal heat safety regulations proposed by the Biden administration from taking effect in Louisiana and other states.
The issue centers on proposed rules that would require employers to comply with specific mandates regarding staffing, recordkeeping, and mandatory breaks during periods of high heat. Supporters of the new bill say these requirements could harm small businesses and result in job losses for workers in Louisiana.
“Protecting Louisiana workers is my top priority. The Democrats’ proposal puts workers at risk and threatens their livelihoods,” Cassidy said. “Any effort on worker safety should provide needed clarity and flexibility to ensure Louisianans can earn a paycheck in a safe working environment.” Risch added that “one-size-fits-all federal heating standards prevent small businesses and farmers from appropriately protecting the people they employ.” He said the new legislation would allow state and local leaders more control over workplace safety measures.
Industry groups also voiced concerns about the proposed rule. Richard Fontenot of the Louisiana Farm Bureau said his organization supports Cassidy’s efforts because it would “eliminate the threat of burdensome regulation” for farms already taking steps to protect workers. Shane Marler of the Louisiana Home Builders Association called it an attempt to prevent “massive new compliance burdens” for home builders. Dylan Rosnick from the National Federation of Independent Business stated: “Small businesses overwhelmingly oppose the Biden Administration’s proposed OSHA Heat Standard as it would add unworkable, new, one-size-fits-all mandates… NFIB strongly supports the Heat Workforce Standards Act.” Charles Crain from National Association of Manufacturers said: “The Heat Workforce Standards Act will help ensure overburdensome and costly regulations don’t hinder manufacturers’ ability to make things in America.” Ben Brubeck from Independent Electrical Contractors added: “Safety is a top priority for IEC contractors, and one-size-fits-all mandates risk undermining—rather than improving—worker protection.”
Under current law, employers are already required to take reasonable steps against heat-related hazards according to existing Occupational Safety guidelines. According to the official website, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee works on public health policy including workforce issues such as those addressed by this bill.
Cassidy has served as chair during this Congress according to committee records. The committee influences national regulations affecting health policy across sectors as reported by its website while providing oversight for agencies like FDA or NIH according to its mandate.
The bill is supported by numerous industry associations representing agriculture, manufacturing, construction trades, restaurants and more.
