Rep. Torres Continues Push to Protect Inland Empire Warehouse Workers from Extreme Heat, Demands Action from Federal and State Officials

Rep. Torres Continues Push to Protect Inland Empire Warehouse Workers from Extreme Heat, Demands Action from Federal and State Officials

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) sent letters to both the U.S. Department of Labor and California's Labor & Workforce Development Agency urging immediate action to protect Inland Empire warehouse workers from dangerous indoor heat conditions as the region enters the hottest summer months.

The letters continue Congresswoman Torres' long-standing efforts to strengthen protections for warehouse workers, who face increasing risks from extreme heat while keeping America's supply chains moving.

"Warehouse workers are the backbone of our economy, yet too many continue to face dangerous working conditions during extreme heat events," said Congresswoman Torres. "Every year, I have pushed labor officials at every level of government to strengthen protections, increase inspections, and hold employers accountable. As temperatures continue to break records across the Inland Empire, workers deserve more than promises, they deserve action."

In her letter to Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, Torres called on the Department of Labor to conduct thorough and frequent warehouse inspections throughout the Inland Empire during the hottest months of 2026. She also urged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to finalize a strong federal Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard for both indoor and outdoor workers, noting that nearly two years have passed since the rule was proposed.

In a separate letter to California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox, Torres requested detailed information on Cal/OSHA's plans to enforce California's indoor heat standards and conduct inspections throughout the region this summer.

Nearly 40 percent of America's imported goods pass through the Inland Empire, making it one of the nation's most important logistics hubs. The transportation and warehousing industry supports approximately 200,000 jobs across the region, many of them held by workers who spend long hours in facilities vulnerable to dangerous heat conditions.

Today's letters build on Torres' ongoing oversight efforts. Earlier this month, Torres offered an amendment to strip language in the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill that would stop the Department of Labor from moving forward on stronger safety protections for workers. And last year, she pressed California labor officials for information regarding indoor heat protections and enforcement activities. In response, Cal/OSHA reported conducting worker outreach events, workplace consultations, inspections, and enforcement actions related to California's indoor heat standards.

"While I appreciate the progress California has made, extreme heat remains a serious threat to workers' health and safety," Torres continued. "We cannot afford to wait until workers become sick or injured before taking action. I am committed to continue demanding answers, accountability, and stronger protections until every warehouse worker can do their job safely."

Both letters request reports and briefings after the summer months detailing inspection activities, heat-related complaints, workplace conditions, enforcement actions, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving worker safety.

Background

Congresswoman Torres has consistently advocated for stronger protections for warehouse workers in the Inland Empire. Today's letters continue her oversight efforts to ensure warehouse employers comply with workplace safety requirements and that workers are protected from increasingly dangerous heat conditions.

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