FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Susi Nord susi@nationalcosh.org (603) 548-0808

National COSH applauds Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Julie Su, NYCOSH, the TEMP Coalition, labor unions, worker leaders, and community advocates for securing a landmark executive order that strengthens protections for workers facing extreme heat. As heat waves become more frequent, intense, and deadly, New York City is taking action while workers across the country continue to wait for a comprehensive federal heat standard that protects workers both indoors and outdoors. Extreme heat remains one of the deadliest workplace hazards in the United States. Heat illness is preventable. Heat deaths are preventable. No worker should lose their life simply because they went to work on a hot day.

"This executive order sends a clear message: workers cannot wait," said Jessica E. Martínez, Executive Director of National COSH. "Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, regardless of their job, immigration status, zip code, or the temperature outside. As extreme heat continues to threaten workers' lives and livelihoods, protecting workers is not optional. It is a moral obligation and a public health imperative.

We applaud Mayor Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Julie Su, NYCOSH, the TEMP Coalition, unions, and worker advocates who made this victory possible. At a time when workers across the country are still waiting for a federal heat standard that protects workers both indoors and outdoors, New York City is demonstrating that action cannot wait. This victory shows what is possible when workers organize, communities mobilize, and elected leaders respond.

Protecting workers is not only the right thing to do. It is also smart economic policy. As Deputy Mayor Julie Su noted, what hurts workers hurts our economy. When workers suffer heat illness, injury, or death, families, employers, and entire communities bear the cost. Safe workplaces save lives, strengthen businesses, and build stronger communities. We urge employers across the country not to wait for a tragedy, citation, or mandate before taking action. Workers need water, shade, rest, training, and emergency protections now."

Today's action reflects years of organizing by NYCOSH, the TEMP Coalition, worker leaders, labor unions, and community advocates. It also reflects the growing momentum of the Fired Up! Workers for Heat Justice campaign, a national movement led by workers and local COSH groups demanding lifesaving protections from extreme heat. As climate change intensifies workplace hazards, workers across the country are organizing for commonsense protections including water, shade, rest, training, and emergency response procedures. New York City's action demonstrates what is possible when workers lead and government responds with urgency.

“Today’s victory belongs to workers,” said Charlene Obernauer, Executive Director of NYCOSH. “Workers have been sounding the alarm about extreme heat for years and have been meeting with the Mayor’s team alongside the TEMP Coalition to urge NYC to protect working people. Today, NYC did just that. This executive order shows that when workers organize and communities come together, real change is possible. No worker should have to risk their health or their life just to earn a paycheck. We are proud to stand alongside the workers, unions, and community organizations whose leadership made this victory possible.”

National COSH calls on federal OSHA to finalize a strong heat standard that protects workers both indoors and outdoors and urges employers nationwide to implement heat protections now. Workers deserve safe jobs, healthy workplaces, and the right to return home safely at the end of every workday.