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Heat Advisory

OSHA Proposes Rule to Reduce Heat-Related Risks at Work

Posted

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

  1. Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP): Employers would be required to develop and implement a comprehensive Heat Illness Prevention Plan. This plan must include procedures for identifying and mitigating heat hazards, ensuring access to adequate hydration, providing shaded or air-conditioned rest areas, and gradually acclimating workers to hot conditions.
  2. Temperature Triggers: The proposed rule introduces specific "heat triggers" that dictate when additional safety measures must be implemented. For instance, when the heat index reaches 80 F, employers must ensure access to cool drinking water and shaded areas. If the heat index exceeds 90 F, more stringent measures, such as mandatory rest breaks and enhanced monitoring of workers, are required.
  3. Training and Communication: The rule mandates regular training for both employees and supervisors on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. Employers must also establish a two-way communication system to monitor workers' conditions, particularly during periods of high heat.
  4. Recordkeeping and Review: Employers with more than 10 employees would be required to maintain a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan and review it annually or whenever a heat-related illness occurs. The plan must be accessible to all employees and involve non-managerial workers in its development and implementation.

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.