Supplemental materials for LEAP 2025 session OSHA Compliance: Employer Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
OSHA has released a proposed rule intended to protect workers from the significant health risks of extreme heat. A DOL statement said the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace.
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Excessive workplace heat can lead to heat stroke and even death.
California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington already have heat-safety standards employers must meet, as do many municipalities. Florida and Texas recently passed laws forbidding cities, towns and counties from enacting heat-safety rules.
The proposed OSHA rule aims to protect employees who work outdoors in industries such as agriculture and construction, but also indoors in hot environments such as kitchens and warehouses.
The proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and—when heat increases risks to workers—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.
Employers would also be required to provide training, have procedures to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness and take immediate action to help a worker experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat emergency.
Online resource: OSHA maintains a heat-illness prevention portal page with links to resources employers can use to keep employees safe.
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