Biden announces first-ever heat wave "hazard alert" for workers

Driving the news: The White House asked Labor to issue a formal "hazard alert" that will "reaffirm that workers have heat-related protections under federal law," officials said.

• It will provide employers information on protecting workers, and help ensure workers know their rights, a White House summary states.
• In addition, the department will "ramp up enforcement of heat-safety violations," expanding inspections of "high risk" sectors like construction and agriculture.

The intrigue: It's the first time the Labor Department has used the "hazard alert" tool to address extreme heat, a White House official tells Axios.

• Other efforts include NOAA investments to improve weather forecasts, and Interior Department steps to help ensure drinking water availability in drought-stricken western communities.

What he's saying: "We should be protecting workers from hazardous conditions … Construction workers who literally risk their lives working all day in blazing heat, and in some places don't even have the right to take a water break. That's outrageous," Biden said at a press conference on Thursday.

Go deeper: Scientists declare July world's hottest month and warn future will be worse

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details from Biden's remarks.