You can’t accuse the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration of springing a surprise on employers with its proposed heat safety rule.

July 2023 will go in the record books for its remarkable persistent heat. Phoenix saw the mercury pass 100° F for 22 days in June, and so far in July, there have been 25 days where the high temperature never fell below 110°F. And on July 19, when the high temperature hit 119° F, the night low temperature never fell below 97° F.

Petitioners say agriculture and construction workers face greatest risk of heat-related deaths and injuries.