OSHA Makes Critical Advances In New Heat Safety Rulemaking

As record-breaking temperatures across the nation have increased and as we get further into the summer and record-breaking temperatures across the nation have increased, the Department of Labor has taken an important step in addressing the dangers of workplace heat hazards. OSHA has moved closer to publishing a proposed rule to reducing the significant health risks of heat exposure for U.S. workers in outdoor and indoor settings.

This article will break down the key aspects of OSHA’s new heat safety ruling, cover what OSHA is doing in the interim while they finalize the ruling, and how businesses can comply with these regulations to further safeguard their workforce from the dangers of the heat this summer.

Understanding OSHA’s New Heat Safety Ruling

Earlier this year, OSHA announced its progress in developing a heat-specific standard aimed at reducing the risks of heat-related illnesses in the workplace. This rulemaking initiative is part of OSHA’s broader effort to enhance workplace safety standards and protect workers from the dangers posed by excessive heat.

In April, the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health unanimously recommended the agency “move forward expeditiously” on a notice of proposed rulemaking. The committee, which advises the agency on safety and health standards and policy matters, unanimously recommended OSHA move forward expeditiously on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. As part of the rulemaking process, the agency will seek and consider input from a wide range of stakeholders and the public at-large as it works to propose and finalize its rule.

In the interim, the agency will continue it’s outreach efforts to educate businesses on heat hazards and conduct heat-related inspections under its National Emphasis Program – Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, launched in 2022. The program inspects workplaces with the highest exposures to heat-related hazards proactively to prevent workers from suffering injury, illness or death needlessly. Since the launch of this program, OSHA has conducted nearly 5,000 federal heat-related inspections.

For more information on the upcoming ruling, OSHA’s official announcement can be found here.

Essential Heat Safety Measures

Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands of workers suffer illnesses related to occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. Hazardous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors and can occur during any season if the conditions are right.

We’ve previously published an article on safeguarding workers’ health and safety in rising temperatures. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when working in the heat this summer are:

• Hydration: Ensuring that workers have access to cool, potable water is crucial. Employers should encourage frequent water breaks and provide easy access to drinking stations.
• Rest Breaks: Regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas help workers recover from the heat and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Monitoring and Supervision: Employers should be trained and work to identify early signs of heat-related illnesses and encourage any employees to report any discomfort or symptoms promptly.

By law, employers must protect workers from the dangers of heat exposure and should have a proper safety and health plan in place. Making sure your safety operations are compliant with these new regulations is paramount to ensuring that your company can operate safely while working in the heat this summer. If your business needs help creating a comprehensive heat illness prevention plan for your safety operations, or if you’d like more information on how to stay compliant with this upcoming ruling – reach out to one of our safety experts today.