Congresswoman Tenney Brings Awareness to Heat-Related Illnesses

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Timothy J. Barber Act today, which would require the Department of Labor to study the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) spending on technical support and compliance assistance for heat-related illnesses and recommend ways to increase its effectiveness. Technical support and compliance assistance help small businesses comply with OSHA's regulations and defray the costs of complying with these regulations.

Tragically, Tim Barber, 35, passed away on July 7th, 2020, at a work site on the Route 63 Bridge over the Genesee River in Geneseo, NY. It was Tim's second day on the job when the temperature hit 93 degrees with a heat index of 95 degrees, and he died from hyperthermia. After a nine-month investigation, OSHA determined that Tim's employer "failed to train him and implement other safeguards to protect him and other employees against extreme heat hazards."

"Heat-related illnesses like hyperthermia are easily preventable," said Congresswoman Tenney. "We must work with companies to help them protect their employees from hyperthermia. OSHA's compliance assistance and technical support should continue to help our small businesses protect workers without increasing costs. By introducing this bill today, we remember and celebrate the life of Tim Barber while working to make OSHA's spending more effective. Additionally, as we begin to enter warmer months, I encourage all of my constituents, especially those who work outdoors, to be careful in the heat, drink water, and take rest breaks when necessary. Together, we can honor Tim's life and prevent others from needlessly suffering from hyperthermia."

"We would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her help joining with us to bring awareness to the dangers of heat illness. We hope the results from this legislation bring recommendations that will prevent another loss of life due to Hyperthermia," said Jim and Kathy Barber.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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