The future of workplace heat safety protections is in question following the nomination of David Keeling to lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The nomination comes at a critical moment, as OSHA is advancing a proposed federal rule aimed at protecting roughly 36 million U.S. workers from dangerous heat exposure.
The rule, introduced under the previous administration, would require employers to provide access to water, rest breaks, shade, and heat-illness prevention training — particularly for new and vulnerable workers. Advocates say these measures are essential as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.
Keeling, a former safety exec at UPS and Amazon, has drawn scrutiny because both companies have faced OSHA citations for heat-related incidents. Critics worry that his leadership could lead to delays, rollbacks, or weaker enforcement of the proposed standard. Industry groups are also lobbying for more flexible requirements, raising further concerns about the final rule’s strength.
Workplace wellness extends beyond office culture and flexible schedules — for many workers, it’s about life-saving protections on the job. Whether this proposed heat-safety rule survives intact may determine the safety of millions who labor in warehouses, construction sites, farms, and other high-heat environments.
Read more about the nomination and its implications in The Guardian’s coverage.
About Andrew Rooke
Andrew Rooke is a strategic leader and business professional with a passion for workplace health and wellness. He believes that supporting both physical and mental well-being is essential to building stronger, more productive teams.In his own career, Rooke has seen how small but intentional wellness practices—such as taking breaks, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and maintaining organized workspaces—can make a significant impact. He fosters inclusive, judgment-free environments where team members feel supported, recharged, and ready to perform at their best.
