OSHA’s heat rules published in Federal Registrar

The clock is ticking for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed standard to manage indoor and outdoor heat dangers, as the rules were published Friday in the Federal Registrar, giving stakeholders three months to comment.

The Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings standard would call on employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards that is site-specific and would “clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat.”

In 376 pages featuring three columns in small font, the standard covers issues such as shade, water, mandatory breaks, and information on heat-related illnesses.

Experts said the standard is likely to face hurdles.

Comments, including requests for a hearing and other information, must be submitted by Dec. 30, 2024, per OSHA’s guidelines.