July 7, 2021 3:10 a.m.

In the face of an unprecedented heat wave, Governor Kate Brown has directed the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health to enact emergency rules this week to ensure urgent protection for workers from extreme heat.

A release said the temporary rules are expected to expand requirements for employers to provide shade, rest time, and cool water for workers during high and extreme heat events. The release said Oregon OSHA will continue working on permanent rules focused on worker safety from heat and extreme weather, which are expected to be adopted this fall.

Brown said it became clear that immediate action was necessary in order to protect Oregonians, especially those whose work is critical to keeping Oregon functioning and oftentimes must continue to do so during extreme weather.

Brown said, “I am concerned that our recent record-breaking heat wave in the Willamette Valley is a harbinger of what’s to come. Even with the immense resources directed to preparing communities for the excessive heat, that we need to be better prepared, flexible and resilient”.

The release said in response, the Governor has directed state agencies to complete an after-action review to determine how the state can improve its response efforts and outcomes. Brown will be meeting with county heads, county leaders, Oregon’s Medicaid Coordinated Care Organizations, and impacted communities over the next several weeks to hear their recommendations, ensure steps are being taken immediately to prepare for the next heat wave, and to discuss how to better protect the health of low-income Oregonians, “…as we anticipate additional extreme weather events in the future”.

The release said that Medicaid members may be eligible to receive air conditioners if they have a qualifying underlying condition. This is part of the health-related services that are offered through Oregon’s CCO’s. Medicaid members should contact their CCO to see if they quality for this assistance.