OSHA extends comment deadline for proposed heat rule

The comment period for OSHA’s proposed heat illness prevention rule was scheduled to end December 30, but the agency extended the deadline until January 14, 2025.

The proposed rule would protect workers from the effects of working in high levels of heat in both indoor and outdoor workplaces. The rule would require employers to:

• Develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in both indoor and outdoor workplaces affected by excessive heat,
• Develop a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions,
• Provide employee training,
• Establish and implement procedures to respond if a worker experiences signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness, and
• Take immediate action to help a worker experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat emergency.

The extended comment deadline allows stakeholders more time to review the proposed rule and gather relevant information and data for their input. Search for Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009 at regulations.gov.

An informal public hearing about the proposed rule is scheduled for June 16, 2025.