A new federal rule could offer protection from extreme heat to millions of workers

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule that would require employers to develop injury and illness prevention plans in order to better protect workers from heat-related injuries and death.

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Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, killing more than 200 people last year. The department said that new regulations could provide protection for some 36 million workers nationwide, particularly people of color, who are more likely to work in roles that could expose them to extreme heat.

The proposed rule comes as the nation continues to experience record-shattering heat waves and extreme weather activity, and as more than 75 million people were under heat alerts on Tuesday.

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The Labor Department proposal would create a range of new protections based around two separate heat index thresholds. At the first trigger, when the combined temperature and relative humidity hits 80 degrees, employers would be required to provide drinking water and rest breaks.