OSHA Insider

Essential Updates

June 2025 Edition

This Week in Safety: Heat Hazards and High-Profile Compliance

Hello Safety Advocates,

In this edition, we focus on two timely and important developments in workplace safety—one that looks toward the future of federal regulation, and another that reinforces the importance of following through on past citations.

1. Heat Kills: Why National Heat Safety Rules Are More Urgent Than Ever – As temperatures rise and heat-related illnesses become more common, we take a closer look at OSHA’s proposed national heat standard and the urgency of protecting workers from extreme temperatures. With thousands of preventable heat-related deaths each year, the need for action is clear.

2. Adidas Reaches $235K Settlement Over Ongoing Fall Hazards – After failing to correct known violations from a 2021 inspection, a major athletic apparel company has reached a settlement with OSHA and agreed to implement new safety protocols at multiple facilities. This case highlights why corrective action, not just compliance, is key to preventing injuries.

These stories are a powerful reminder that safety isn’t static. It requires constant vigilance, continuous improvement, and a commitment to doing what’s right—not just what’s required.

Stay safe and stay sharp,
Dale

Heat Kills: Why National Heat Safety Rules Are More Urgent Than Ever

As summer temperatures continue to rise across the U.S., so too do the risks for outdoor and indoor laborers exposed to extreme heat. Tragically, these risks are not hypothetical. A Florida landscaping worker died from heatstroke in 2020 after reporting he felt unwell on the job. His core temperature reached 108°F before he passed away from acute kidney failure—a preventable death that highlights the growing danger of unregulated heat exposure in the workplace.

The Push for National Heat Standards

Currently, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lacks a permanent national heat safety standard. Proposed rules—first introduced in 2021—would require employers to provide shade, water, rest breaks, and medical response protocols when temperatures exceed specific thresholds. The rules also emphasize the need for worker acclimatization and rapid response to early signs of heat illness, which is crucial given that over 70% of heat-related deaths occur within a worker’s first week on the job.

While these rules could protect an estimated 36 million workers, their future remains uncertain. The proposed standard faces political resistance and legal hurdles. If adopted, it would be the first nationwide rule designed to safeguard workers from the deadly effects of extreme heat.

Worker Stories and Systemic Challenges

Sadly, the Florida case isn’t isolated. Another worker died just 30 minutes after being seen confused and sweating heavily on the job. Across industries, heat-related injuries are frequently underreported, misclassified, or unrecognized. Many vulnerable workers, such as those on temporary H-2A visas, face unsafe conditions without the freedom to report hazards due to fear of retaliation.

Looking Ahead

The deadline for public comment on OSHA’s proposed heat rule closed in December 2024, and a public hearing is expected before any final rule is issued. Its future likely hinges on the outcome of upcoming elections and ongoing legal battles, especially following the Supreme Court’s recent decision to limit the power of federal agencies like OSHA to interpret and enforce rules without explicit congressional authority.

Whether or not this rule advances, the message remains clear: no one should die from preventable heat illness. We must do more to protect the workers who face these conditions every day.

Adidas Reaches $235K Settlement Over Ongoing Fall Hazards and Ladder Safety Violations

In a recent settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor, a major athletic apparel company has agreed to pay $235,000 in penalties and implement broad safety improvements after failing to correct fall-related hazards previously cited in 2021.

Background and Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a follow-up inspection in 2024 at a warehouse in upstate New York and found that the company had not resolved previously identified safety issues, including missing guardrails and the use of an unsafe ladder. Inspectors also uncovered an additional unsafe ladder violation, further underscoring ongoing lapses in fall protection protocols.

Settlement Terms and Safety Enhancements

The May 30, 2025 settlement not only includes the financial penalty but also outlines several corrective measures that the company must undertake at its facilities in New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. These include:

• Implementing a comprehensive Safety and Health Management Program

• Retraining employees on fall hazards

• Auditing and assessing fall hazards at each facility

• Discontinuing the use of overhead storage in affected locations

These steps mark a significant step forward in addressing persistent risks associated with warehouse environments—especially those involving ladders and elevated workspaces.

Resources for Fall Safety

As a reminder, OSHA’s Warehousing and Stop Falls pages offer helpful guidance, including best practices and training resources, to reduce the risk of injuries related to slips, trips, falls, and other warehouse hazards.

This case is a firm reminder that correcting violations isn't optional—it's essential. Let’s all take a page from this story and proactively assess our own workspaces for fall risks before OSHA does it for us.

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About the Author

Hey Everyone,

As we conclude this edition of our newsletter, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for joining us on this journey of safety enlightenment. The stories we've shared, from the tragic to the triumphant, remind us of the critical importance of our collective commitment to workplace safety.

These cases serve as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences when safety protocols are overlooked. It underscores the necessity for each of us to not only advocate for stringent safety measures but to actively implement them in our daily operations.

As your partner in safety, I'm inspired by our shared dedication to creating safer work environments. Let the insights from this edition motivate us to review, refine, and reinforce our safety practices. Remember, the strength of our safety programs lies not just in compliance but in our unwavering commitment to protect every worker who trusts us with their well-being.

Looking ahead, we promise to continue bringing you the most relevant, informative, and actionable safety insights. Your feedback, stories, and engagement fuel our mission, and together, we can forge a future where workplace accidents are a rarity, not an expectation.

Until our next edition, stay safe, stay informed, and never underestimate the impact of your role in safeguarding the health and safety of our workplaces.

Warmest regards,

Dale