Gov Rep Says OSHA to Address Heat-Related Danger for Outdoor Workers

José Lainez, a Honduran construction worker, #died from heat exhaustion in 2011 while building a bridge in Austin, Texas. Employed by the state, he wasn't guaranteed water breaks, leading to his tragic death. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, who organized a vigil for Lainez in 2012 while working for the Workers Defense Project, an immigrant laborers' advocacy group, has been impacted by this incident throughout his political career.

Casar, alongside OSHA’s assistant secretary of labor, Doug Parker, announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will soon publish a draft proposal for a federal rule to enhance workers' protections against heat-related hazards.

“It used to be that we were talking about climate change and climate denialists said we were making up a monster. Well, the monster is here.” — U.S. Rep. Greg Casar

Parker explained the bureaucratic process of implementing a new federal rule, including a minimum 60-day public comment period. In the meantime, OSHA has increased inspections to enforce laws guaranteeing workers protection from known hazards, including heat.

Casar, a former Austin City Council member, successfully pushed for a 2012 city ordinance mandating water breaks for workers, which was unfortunately overruled by Gov. Greg Abbott's 2023 "Death Star" bill. In response, Casar held a thirst and hunger strike outside the U.S. Capitol, advocating for nationwide regulations and highlighting the impact of Abbott's actions.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who joined the town hall, praised Casar as "the strongest advocate in all Congress for working families and workers' rights." Audience concerns included the impact of the 2024 election on OSHA regulations and the extent to which federal rules protect undocumented workers.

Casar and speakers highlighted the death toll from inadequate protection for workers in severe weather, emphasizing the need for OSHA regulations. Eva Maroquin, a Workers Defense Project member, praised Casar's commitment to workers, saying:

"Greg Casar is a people's leader, and he puts actions to his words...That's the biggest thing, just to follow through with these promises. But it's the start of something good."