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Today, NALC President Brian L. Renfroe testified in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) informal rulemaking hearing for the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule.

“USPS records show that letter carriers report hundreds of heat injuries annually,” Renfroe said. “However, the actual number is undoubtedly greater, as the Postal Service’s productivity-focused culture discourages letter carriers from reporting symptoms, as evidenced, in some cases, with letter carriers being disciplined because of a heat-related injury.

“Heat illness does not just sicken my members. On occasion, it kills them,” he continued. “At least seven letter carriers have died as a result of exposure to heat since 2012. Tragically, these injuries and deaths are preventable.

“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.”

Click here to watch President Renfroe’s testimony. His full submitted testimony is available here.

OSHA will hear testimony from labor representatives, industry stakeholders, and others with positions on the rule over the next few weeks. After the hearings conclude, a post-hearing comment period is expected to last 90 days.

“NALC appreciated the opportunity to bring the voice of our 200,000 active members to today’s hearing,” Renfroe said. “NALC has been a leader in fighting for a national heat safety standard for years, and we support full implementation of this rule. 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.”