U.S. Representative Mark Messmer recently discussed his efforts to repeal OSHA’s federal heat standard measure on NFIB’s “Small Business Rundown” podcast. As a second-generation small business owner of a plumbing and heating business in southwest Indiana, he understands how government overreach can negatively impact a small business.

“The heat standard is probably one of the most egregious, onerous recordkeeping bills. And the punitive fines for noncompliance it requires whether you’re inside or out, summer or winter,” Rep. Messmer explained. “…and it’s going to punitively hit small businesses more than anybody. There’s no carve out. There’s no exemption for companies under 25, or 50, or 100 people.”

NFIB opposes the one-size-fits-all heat standard as proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2024. The proposed regulation would impose significant and unnecessary compliance burdens on Main Street businesses. Read our press release here. NFIB also released an issue brief outlining why small businesses oppose the regulation.

Listen to the full episode here: