Heat Exposure Rule Proposed by OSHA

For the past two years the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has had a National Emphasis Program – Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards – in place and has been inspecting workplaces identified as having the highest exposures to heat-related hazards. On April 24, 2024, OSHA received approval to move forward with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a standard to reduce the risks of heat exposure for employees in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said, “OSHA will use all of its existing tools to hold employers responsible when they fail to protect workers from known hazards such as heat, including our authority to stop employers from exposing workers to conditions which pose an imminent danger."  

By law, employers must protect workers from the dangers of heat exposure and should have a proper safety and health plan in place. At a minimum, employers should provide adequate cool water, rest breaks and shade or a cool rest area. Employees who are new or returning to a high-heat workplace should be allowed time to gradually get used to working in hot temperatures. Workers and managers should also be trained so they can identify and help prevent heat illness.

Agricultural industries that employ temporary, nonimmigrant H-2A workers for seasonal labor are prioritized for inspections under the National Emphasis program at this time. There is concern that these workers are more vulnerable to heat-related illness due to language barriers and less control over their living arrangements.  

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be viewed in its entirety through this link: OSHA’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings: How You Can Participate.

Contact Froedtert Workforce Health for assistance with managing heat-related concerns and illnesses in the workplace.