Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su visited Tucson to discuss proposed federal heat protection standards aimed at safeguarding 36 million workers from heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the need for provisions like paid rest, water breaks, and action plans for heat illness. Meanwhile, California has seen a significant drop in enforcement of its heat protection laws, with inspections down nearly 30% and violations falling over 40%, raising concerns from worker advocates about the safety of outdoor workers amid rising temperatures. Maryland is poised to become the first East Coast state to adopt a heat illness prevention standard, requiring breaks and hydration for workers in extreme heat conditions. Additionally, workers in Houston expressed their struggles with heat exposure, highlighting the urgent need for better regulations as OSHA plans to introduce a new rule to address workplace heat hazards. Despite these developments, some resistance exists towards implementing new federal protections, indicating a complex landscape in worker safety discussions. The ongoing investigations into heat-related deaths and the push for stronger regulations underscore the critical need for comprehensive protections for vulnerable workers.