HARDI Signs Coalition Letter Opposing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act

HARDI has joined 44 other organizations in signing a letter to Congress opposing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act (S.2613/H.R.4896). While the bill may sound narrowly focused, its passing would have implications for nearly every sector of the economy, including HVACR distribution.

HARDI signed the letter to reflect members’ serious concerns about how this legislation would disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and impose unnecessary burdens on businesses that are already prioritizing safe workplaces.

What Is the Warehouse Worker Protection Act?

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act aims to regulate workplace ergonomics and productivity standards in distribution centers. However, the bill brings back an outdated OSHA ergonomics standard that was repealed by Congress over two decades ago due to its impracticality and lack of clarity.

Why HARDI and Other Industries Are Opposed

1. Reviving Unworkable Ergonomics Regulations

The ergonomics standard proposed in the bill was previously voided by a bipartisan majority in Congress for being too vague, too costly, and too difficult to implement. Reintroducing it now would create confusion and compliance challenges without delivering meaningful improvements in worker safety.

2. Undermining Due Process

Under the proposed legislation, employers could be forced to make costly remedial measures before OSHA has even proven a violation. This places an unfair burden on businesses.

3. Micromanaging Distribution Operations

The bill would impose a rigid framework for managing productivity and performance standards, effectively micromanaging how distributors operate. This threatens the efficiency of a vital part of the American supply chain, especially in industries like HVACR where timely delivery of parts and equipment is critical.

How the Act Would Uniquely Impact HVACR Distributors

Unlike some sectors, HVACR distributors typically do not use productivity quotas. Yet, the Warehouse Worker Protection Act would require them to track, disclose, and justify performance standards they don’t have. This creates a host of problems, including unnecessary paperwork and administrative overhead and the diversion of resources away from real safety programs that actually protect workers.

Instead of improving safety, the bill would slow down order fulfillment, raise operating costs, and disrupt the reliable flow of HVACR equipment and parts. This would be especially problematic during peak heating and cooling seasons when contractors and homeowners depend on timely service.

HARDI Supports Practical Safety Solutions

The 45 organizations signed on to the letter reflects widespread concern across industries. From manufacturing to logistics, employers recognize that this bill would do more harm than good.

HARDI and its members are committed to protecting workers through practical, effective safety programs, not through outdated regulations. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would hinder operations without enhancing safety, and that’s why HARDI is urging Congress to reject it. We encourage our members and industry partners to stay informed and speak out.

Read the letter and see the full list of undersigned organizations here.