The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Tuesday announced it is issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard addressing the safety needs of those working in outdoor and indoor settings.
OSHA said the standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards that is site-specific and “clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat.”
Much of the proposed rule addresses requirements on training, heat monitoring, protective gear, work breaks and rest areas, air conditioning, acclimatization for workers, and recordkeeping when injuries or fatalities occur.
The proposal would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all industries, with particular attention to the construction, maritime and agriculture sectors.
The drafted standard is awaiting imminent publication in the Federal Register, after which a public commenting period will begin.