Contractors Hot Line July 26, 2024 | Page 30

The U. S. Department of Labor has unveiled a proposed rule aimed at safeguarding millions of workers from the severe health risks posed by extreme heat. If finalized, this rule is expected to protect approximately 36 million workers in both indoor and outdoor settings, significantly reducing heat-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U. S., and excessive workplace heat can result in heat stroke and even death. While heat hazards affect workers across various industries, workers of color are more likely to be employed in jobs with hazardous heat exposure.

" Every worker should come home safe and healthy at the end of the day, which is why the Biden-Harris administration is taking this significant step to protect workers from the dangers posed by extreme heat," said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. " As the most pro-worker administration in history, we are committed to ensuring that those doing difficult work in some of our economy’ s most critical sectors are valued and kept safe in the workplace."

The proposed rule mandates that employers

develop an injury and illness prevention plan to manage heat hazards in workplaces impacted by excessive heat. This plan would require employers to assess heat risks and, when necessary, implement measures such as providing drinking water, scheduling rest breaks and controlling indoor heat. Additionally, there would be provisions to protect new or returning workers who are not yet acclimated to high heat conditions.

Werk-Brau has announced the addition of Todd Kundinger as regional sales manager for the southeastern United States. Kundinger, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in the construction equipment sector, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Kundinger’ s extensive career includes a recent tenure as district sales manager for Florida Case Power Equipment. His impressive resume also features key sales and management positions at Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Meade Tractor and Case

Power Equipment. A native of Wisconsin, Kundinger is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin.

In his new position at Werk-Brau, Kundinger will support distributors and customers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. He will oversee the full range of Werk-Brau products, including buckets, thumbs, couplers, tiltrotators, attachments, mulchers, landscape rakes and other specialized equipment for excavators and loaders of all sizes.

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