OSHA Releases Proposed Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The proposed rule aims to establish a federal heat standard for workers across general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors under OSHA’s jurisdiction. This is the first such rule to require specific actions related to heat hazards.

The proposed standard would require employers to:

• Develop a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplaces.
• Clarify employer obligations and the necessary steps to protect employees from hazardous heat.
• Implement measures such as providing drinking water, scheduling rest breaks, and controlling indoor heat when heat risks are high.
• Create a plan to protect new or returning workers who are not yet accustomed to working in high heat conditions.

The official version of the proposed rule will be published soon in the Federal Register and the public will be invited to submit written comments once it is available. Additionally, a public hearing is expected to take place after the written comment period concludes.