EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 27 MIN
NRDC's Juanita Constible on Protecting Workers From Extreme Heat
from America’s Work Force Union Podcast · host BMA Media Group
Most workers in the United States lack enforceable legal protections against workplace heat. Only seven states have standards on the books. And the federal OSHA proposal that was supposed to change that is stuck in limbo — leaving millions of workers exposed to preventable illness and death as summer temperatures climb. On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, NRDC Senior Advocate Juanita Constible breaks down the state of heat safety policy, the state-by-state campaigns moving forward in Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Mexico and what strong heat standards actually require beyond the basics of water, rest and shade. She also discusses how unions — from the Teamsters' landmark UPS contract win to IBEW, USW and SEIU's legislative advocacy — are among the most effective forces for getting enforceable protections on the books. For heat safety resources, visit nrdc.org and protectworkersfromheat.org.
What this episode covers
NRDC Senior Advocate Juanita Constible discusses the absence of enforceable heat protections for most US workers, the state-by-state campaigns moving forward while the federal standard remains in limbo and what strong heat standards actually require — acclimatization protocols, emergency response training and clear procedures that could prevent deaths like the construction worker who died when his employer called police instead of 911. She also addresses how unions are driving progress on heat safety at the bargaining table and in state legislatures, and delivers a direct message to workers in hot environments about what they can do right now to protect themselves and their colleagues.
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NRDC's Juanita Constible on Protecting Workers From Extreme Heat
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