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.
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.
The proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines several critical measures that employers must implement to mitigate heat hazards:
When heat conditions reach a high heat trigger (heat index of 90°F or above), additional measures are required:
As part of the HIIPP, employers must develop a heat emergency response plan, which includes:
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.
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.
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