Reps call on postmaster general to implement new heat rule for workers

Texas Rep. Greg Casar (D) led more than 70 members of Congress in a joint letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to demand protection for U.S. Postal Service workers amid a wave of extreme heat. 

The letter, released Wednesday, called for the finalization of a proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that would protect people who work inside and outside to be implemented as summer temperatures rise. 

“The United States Postal Service (Postal Service) are at imminent risk of heat-related illness and death. To ensure that they are adequately protected while they carry out their duties, we strongly urge you to immediately implement the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Heat Injury, and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule,” the letter reads. 

“While this rule is not yet final, OSHA has already taken extensive public comments since their advanced notice of proposed rulemaking in October 2021,” it adds. “They have conducted substantial economic and logistical analysis to ensure that all industries under OSHA’s jurisdiction are able to comply with this rule without significant disruption to their operations.” 

The letter urged immediate action and laid out a plan to benefit USPS employees during extreme temperatures.

The plan called for the implementation of OSHA’s proposed rule, demanded the Postal Service address heat illness prevention plan training and asked for more available cool drinking water and regular breaks for workers when the temperature rises above 90.

“It is clear that the Postal Service must do more to protect the health and safety of its workforce,” the letter states. 

The Hill reached out to DeJoy’s office for comment.