OSHA

The Biden administration released a proposed rule that would require employers to provide such things as water and rest breaks when temperatures top certain thresholds.

The U.S. agency that's supposed to protect workers' health has all but given up on setting limits on a dangerous chemical released in tire manufacturing. Meanwhile, workers are dying.

After Florida and other states fought the plans, the high court stopped a vaccine requirement for employers with more than 100 employees while clearing the way for most health workers to get the shots.

The ruling reverses a lower-court decision that paused the requirement for businesses with 100 or more employees. A motion for an emergency stay has already been filed with the Supreme Court.

OSHA has put the mandate on hold after an stay by a federal appeals court. However, the Biden administration says "nothing has changed" regarding its message to companies with more than 100 workers.

The agency says that since a federal appeals court ordered a stay that it “has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement” until further court order.

As Florida legislators closed out their special session, one of the votes could lead to the state taking over regulations normally overseen by OSHA.

The bill allows workers to avoid vaccination requirements if they provide medical reasons, religious reasons or can demonstrate “COVID-19 immunity.” Also, if they agree to regular testing or wear PPE.

The state plan conflicts with a rule issued this month by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that requires health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

During the legislature's special session, House Speaker Chris Sprowls said businesses “are under no obligation to follow the OSHA rule” as long as a federal injunction remains in place.