Farm Progress America, August 22, 2024

OSHA proposed new requirements for excessive heat conditions on farms that have more than 10 employees. The rules would impact workers at 105,000 farms in the USA.

The new requirements will mean more rest breaks, water availability and access to shade with stricter regulations as temperatures rise.

The agency has been working on the rules for several years and the goal is to protect the million farm workers.

Comments on the rules can be sent in until early November to OSHA

One of the examples for the rules is that at 90 degrees, mandatory rest breaks will be required every two hours.

For ag, the rules are likely to have the biggest impact on the processing sides impacting meat packers, dairy processors and fruit farms.

Farm groups have been asked to weigh in on the measures however, they don't feel one rule will fit all farm business.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .