On Aug. 30, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at establishing a federal standard for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in both outdoor and indoor work environments. This proposed rule addresses the growing concerns regarding the risks associated with excessive heat exposure in the workplace, which has been linked to a significant number of injuries and fatalities over the past decade.
Background and Rationale
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, and the impact on workers has been particularly severe. According to OSHA, from 2011 to 2022, there were 479 recorded worker fatalities due to heat exposure, and thousands more suffered serious heat-related illnesses. The need for a formalized standard is underscored by these statistics as well as by the increasing frequency of extreme heat events driven by climate change.
Scope of the Proposed Rule
The proposed standard would apply to a wide range of industries, including general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture. It covers both outdoor work settings, such as construction sites and farms, and indoor environments that lack adequate climate controls or involve heat-generating processes.
Key Provisions
Public Participation and Next Steps
OSHA is encouraging public participation in the rulemaking process. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the proposed rule by Dec. 30, 2024. OSHA will review these comments and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the rule. If adopted, the new standard could come into effect as early as the summer of 2025, providing critical protections for millions of workers across the country.
The proposed rule represents a significant advancement in occupational safety by addressing the dangers of heat exposure in a comprehensive and enforceable manner. For more detailed information on the proposed standard and to participate in the comment process, you can visit the OSHA Heat Exposure Rulemaking page and the Federal Register Notice.