Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2021

Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2021 or the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2021

This bill provides statutory authority for, and otherwise revises, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System Program to improve the capacity of the United States to prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate health risks of extreme heat. The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must carry out this program. (Currently, the program is jointly administered by NOAA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Under the bill, the program may provide financial assistance for projects to increase awareness, education, and research about extreme heat events and mitigate the human health impacts of those events. In awarding the assistance, the program must prioritize historically disadvantaged communities and communities with significant heat disparities associated with race or income. Other components of the program include grants for research on climate and health and a study of relevant policy, research, and data gaps concerning extreme heat information and response.

The bill also establishes an interagency committee within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategic plan and otherwise coordinate federal activities related to the program.

Bill 117 HR 5296, also known as the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of heat-related illnesses and deaths in the United States. The bill focuses on implementing measures to prevent and reduce the impact of extreme heat on individuals, particularly those who work outdoors or are otherwise vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a national heat stress prevention program within the Department of Labor to develop guidelines and standards for preventing heat-related illnesses in the workplace. 2. Requiring employers to provide training and resources to employees on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. 3. Directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue regulations to protect workers from heat-related illnesses, including providing access to water, rest breaks, and shade. 4. Creating a national database to track heat-related illnesses and deaths, in order to better understand the scope of the problem and identify areas for improvement. 5. Providing grants to states and local governments to implement heat stress prevention programs and initiatives. Overall, the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2021 aims to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and implement measures to protect individuals from heat-related illnesses and deaths. By establishing guidelines, regulations, and resources for both employers and employees, the bill seeks to prevent unnecessary suffering and loss of life due to extreme heat conditions.