OEC and its partners advocated for SB 907 in the 2023 legislative session as a continuation of our heat and smoke protection work, intended for situations not covered by existing OSHA heat and smoke rules or other rules, and for situations so extreme, that it justifies workers to leave their worksite or refuse a task as opposed to be subject to imminent danger. However, OR OSHA has not included explicit language beyond unsafe equipment in their draft rule. This leaves out things like climate, environmental, manmade, biological and natural hazards. It is important to note that adding this language does ...
OEC and its partners advocated for SB 907 in the 2023 legislative session as a continuation of our heat and smoke protection work, intended for situations not covered by existing OSHA heat and smoke rules or other rules, and for situations so extreme, that it justifies workers to leave their worksite or refuse a task as opposed to be subject to imminent danger. However, OR OSHA has not included explicit language beyond unsafe equipment in their draft rule. This leaves out things like climate, environmental, manmade, biological and natural hazards. It is important to note that adding this language does not expand the scope of the rule or change the substance of it. This request will make the rules clearer for workers to understand their rights, since what constitutes hazardous work is largely contextual. No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck. These draft rules have the potential to provide meaningful protections for workers and prevent avoidable injury, illness, and death. Speak up to protect Oregon workers!
No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck. These draft rules have the potential to provide meaningful protections for workers and prevent avoidable injury, illness, and death. Speak up to protect Oregon workers!