OSHA Proposes New Heat Safety Standard, Sets December Comment Deadline

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a December 30 deadline for public comments on its proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard. This new rule, aimed at both indoor and outdoor workplaces, marks a significant step in addressing the growing concern of heat-related workplace injuries and fatalities.

Key Points of the Proposed Standard

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The rule would apply to all employers under OSHA's jurisdiction in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors, with some specified exceptions.

2. Heat Prevention Plans: Employers would be required to develop and implement heat injury and illness prevention plans.

3. Basic Provisions: The standard mandates providing water, rest breaks, and indoor heat control when necessary.

4. Acclimatization Plans: Employers must develop plans for workers unaccustomed to high-heat environments.

5. Indoor Workplace Requirements:

• Workplaces without air conditioning must implement cooling controls.
• Air-conditioned break areas or alternatives for air movement and humidity control must be provided.

6. Outdoor Workplace Requirements:   

• Provision of shaded or air-conditioned break areas.
• Acknowledgment of challenges in providing stationary shading for mobile workers.

7. Exemptions: Short duration exposures (15 minutes or less in any 60-minute period) above the initial heat trigger are excluded.

Economic Impact and Industry Response

• OSHA's analysis suggests the rule would cost less than 1% of revenues for most industries studied.
• The National Safety Council has expressed support for the proposal.
• Some congressional lawmakers have raised concerns about regional climate differences and impacts on specific job types.

Global Context

According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 18,970 work-related deaths are attributable to extreme heat annually, with approximately 2.4 billion workers potentially exposed to such conditions.

Next Steps

Stakeholders and the public have until December 30 to submit comments on this comprehensive proposal. OSHA will review these comments before finalizing the standard, which could significantly impact workplace safety practices across various industries in the United States.