OSHA to publish proposed heat rule Aug. 30

OSHA’s proposed heat illness prevention rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register August 30. A 120-day comment period will follow. The rule would apply to employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, with some exceptions.

Among its provisions, 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.

OSHA requests information and comments on several questions related to the proposed rule. Search for Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009 at regulations.gov.