OSHA extends post-hearing comment deadline for heat rule

OSHA has once again extended the comment period on its proposed heat rule to allow stakeholders more time to respond to questions from the agency.

The proposed 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 response procedures 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.

OSHA held an informal public hearing from June 16 through July 2, and only those individuals and organizations who submitted a Notice of Intent to Appear at the hearing are allowed to submit post-hearing comments. Interested parties can submit their comments electronically at regulations.gov using Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009 through October 30.