OSHA's Proposed Standard for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention

July 16, 2024 Chandler Spinelli Comments

OSHA has released its proposed standard for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in both outdoor and indoor work settings. If finalized, this rule would be the first federal mandate requiring employers to establish a plan to assess and manage heat hazards in the workplace.

The proposed standard would be applicable across all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors, with a few exceptions. Notably, five states—Colorado, California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington—already have regulations in place to protect workers from heat-related hazards.

Key elements of the proposal include:

Training for supervisors, heat safety coordinators, and employees
Development and implementation of a heat injury and illness prevention plan
Initial and high heat triggers at heat indexes of 80°F and 90°F, respectively, with specific requirements for each
Options for acclimatization procedures for new or returning workers
Additional recordkeeping requirements

Certain workers, such as those exposed to high temperatures for short durations or those in consistently air-conditioned environments, are exempt from the proposed requirements.

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Chandler Spinelli