The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is accepting public comments through Dec. 30 on proposed rules that would create standards for heat injury and illness prevention for outdoor and indoor workplaces.
The proposed rule was first announced by OSHA in July. According to an agency press release, the proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. Specifically, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks, and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high-heat conditions.
The OSHA estimates the new rule would “protect” approximately 36 million workers across the country.
“Every worker should come home safe and healthy at the end of the day, which is why the Biden-Harris administration is taking this significant step to protect workers from the dangers posed by extreme heat,” says Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su in the press release.
The timeline for public comment—along with the full scope of the proposed rules—was announced in the Federal Register, the official journal of the U.S. federal government that contains government agency rules, proposed rules, and public notices.
The proposed rules have received both positive and negative reactions.
Several Republican lawmakers criticized the plan, calling it “ridiculous” and “being overly prescriptive.” However, the National Safety Council (NSC) applauded the proposed rules.
“Death from occupational exposure to excessive heat is never acceptable, and [this] proposed rule ensures all workers remain free from the hazards associated with working in extreme heat conditions,” a statement from the NSC reads.
Justin Willett, president of Fleming Construction Group, told Metal Construction News that he is also in support.
“First and foremost, I believe this proposed rule is a crucial step in safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of workers, especially given the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions. The fact that heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. underscores the importance of this initiative,” says Willett. “I’m particularly pleased to see that the rule considers the unique challenges faced by workers who are new or returning to high-heat environments. Overall, I’m optimistic that this rule will make a significant difference in reducing heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. I’ll be closely following the developments and look forward to seeing how it will be implemented.”