Senate Bill 2298 was introduced into the U.S. Senate, which would require OSHA to adopt a federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments.

The bill mirrors earlier versions from 2021 and 2023 and coincides with OSHA’s recent informal hearings on proposed heat rules. The legislation mandates enforceable protections such as paid breaks in cool areas, access to water, exposure limits, emergency response protocols, and employee training on heat illness risks and response procedures.

With no federal heat standard in place, states have developed their own regulations to address extreme temperatures. A federal standard would provide consistent, enforceable protection as heat-related risks increase.