OSHA’s proposed heat rule debated during House subcommittee hearing

OSHA’s proposed heat illness and prevention rule took center stage during a September 2 hearing held by the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Elizabeth Milito of the National Federation of Independent Business urged Congress to pass a bill that would prevent OSHA from issuing a permanent heat rule, citing the General Duty Clause already protects workers from heat-related hazards. Rebecca Reindel, director of occupational safety and health for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) countered that the clause has a “broader, higher burden of proof” than a regular OSHA standard, including the need to satisfy a four-part test to issue a citation.

The rule, originally published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024, would apply to employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction and require them to implement a heat injury and illness prevention plan, along with other provisions.