Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has reintroduced the Timothy J. Barber Act, aiming to enhance the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) technical support and compliance assistance programs for heat-related illnesses. The legislation seeks to aid small businesses in implementing safety protocols while adhering to federal regulations without excessive costs.
The act is named after Timothy Barber, a 35-year-old New Yorker who died from hyperthermia on July 7, 2020, during his second day of work on the Route 63 Bridge over the Genesee River in Geneseo, NY. The heat index had reached 95 degrees that day. Following an investigation lasting nine months, OSHA determined that Barber’s employer did not provide adequate training or necessary safeguards against extreme heat.
“Heat-related illnesses like hyperthermia are preventable tragedies in our country. The Timothy Barber Act ensures that OSHA’s technical assistance helps employers implement life-saving practices without adding extra burdens on small businesses. While we cannot bring Tim back, this legislation works to honor his memory and prevent such tragedies from happening again,” stated Congresswoman Tenney.
Timothy’s parents, Jim and Kathy Barber, expressed gratitude towards Congresswoman Tenney for reintroducing the act. “It has been five years since Tim’s passing, and we want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for reintroducing the Tim Barber Act to raise awareness of the dangers of heat illness. We hope this proposal leads to meaningful legislation that will help prevent another tragic loss of life from hyperthermia,” they said.
