NALC President Brian L. Renfroe recently testified at an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing regarding the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule. Renfroe highlighted the frequency of heat-related injuries among letter carriers, noting that “USPS records show that letter carriers report hundreds of heat injuries annually.” He emphasized that the actual number might be higher due to a workplace culture that discourages reporting.
Renfroe stated, “Heat illness does not just sicken my members. On occasion, it kills them,” pointing out that at least seven letter carriers have died from heat exposure since 2012. He argued for a nationwide heat standard as essential to mitigating these dangers: “A nationwide heat standard that sets clear requirements for USPS and other employers is the only way to truly mitigate the dangers that heat poses.”
The testimony was part of OSHA’s informal rulemaking process, which will include input from labor representatives, industry stakeholders, and others over several weeks. Following the hearings, there will be a 90-day post-hearing comment period.
Renfroe expressed gratitude for representing NALC’s 200,000 active members at the hearing: “NALC appreciated the opportunity to bring the voice of our 200,000 active members to today’s hearing.” He reaffirmed NALC’s commitment to advocating for a national heat safety standard and collaborating with OSHA and other stakeholders: “Our union stands ready to work with OSHA, the Department of Labor, and all necessary stakeholders to keep this critical proposal moving through the rulemaking process.”
