OSHA Proposes Heat Illness Prevention Plan to Protect Workers

In response to the increasing hazards posed by extreme heat, the U.S. Department of Labor, under the Biden-Harris administration, has proposed a new rule aimed at safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries. Announced on July 2, 2024, this proposed rule seeks to provide comprehensive protection to approximately 36 million indoor and outdoor workers, addressing the significant health risks associated with excessive workplace heat. For more details, refer to the OSHA News Release.

The Urgency of Heat Illness Prevention

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, posing severe risks such as heat stroke and even death. Workers across various industries are vulnerable to these dangers, particularly those in outdoor settings and industries like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

Key Components of the Proposed Rule

The proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines several critical measures that employers must implement to mitigate heat hazards:

1. Development of a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP): Employers will be required to create a comprehensive HIIPP that includes site-specific information, policies, and procedures to manage heat stress. This plan must identify the types of work activities covered and the heat metrics (such as heat index or wet bulb globe temperature) used to monitor heat conditions.
2. Provision of Potable Water and Break Areas: Employers must ensure that workers have access to suitably cool drinking water and designated break areas that provide shade or air conditioning. These measures are essential to prevent dehydration and overheating.
3. Acclimatization Protocols: To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, new and returning workers must undergo acclimatization protocols, gradually increasing their exposure to heat over several days.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Employers must monitor heat conditions both outdoors and indoors, using reliable sources like the National Weather Service or on-site measurements. This monitoring must be frequent enough to accurately determine workers’ heat exposure levels.
5. Training and Communication: Employers are mandated to provide comprehensive training to employees and supervisors on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses. Effective two-way communication must be maintained to ensure timely response to heat emergencies.

Addressing High Heat Conditions

When heat conditions reach a high heat trigger (heat index of 90°F or above), additional measures are required:

• Mandatory Rest Breaks: Employers must provide a minimum 15-minute paid rest break every two hours to help workers cool down.
• Observation for Signs of Heat-Related Illness: A buddy system or supervision must be implemented to monitor workers for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
• Hazard Alerts: Workers must be informed about the importance of hydration, the availability of rest breaks, and emergency procedures.

Emergency Response Planning

As part of the HIIPP, employers must develop a heat emergency response plan, which includes:

• Emergency Contacts: A list of emergency phone numbers and procedures for contacting emergency medical services.
• Transportation Procedures: Plans for transporting workers to medical facilities if necessary.
• Immediate Response: Steps to reduce an employee’s body temperature and provide first aid in the event of a heat emergency.

Moving Forward

The proposed rule is currently pending publication in the Federal Register, and public comments will be invited once it is officially published. OSHA aims to finalize the rule after considering public input, ensuring it is both effective and practical for employers. For a comprehensive background, refer to the Heat-NPRM Final Background Summary.

Conclusion

With the increasing frequency of record-breaking temperatures, the proposed OSHA rule represents a crucial step toward enhancing worker safety in the face of extreme heat. By implementing comprehensive heat illness prevention plans, employers can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related injuries and fatalities, ensuring a safer and healthier work environment for millions of American workers.