The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a proposed rule that would protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings from extreme heat. The proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.
An official version of the proposed rule will soon be published in the Federal Register. The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the rule once it is published. The agency also anticipates a public hearing after the close of the written comment period. For more information, please see OSHA’s New Release and Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Setting Rulemaking webpage.
