Proposed heat illness prevention rule leaves OMB

On July 1, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed its review of OSHA’s proposed heat illness prevention rule. Next step is publication in the Federal Register, at which time the public will have the opportunity to comment.

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 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 anticipates a public hearing after the close of the written comment period.