DOL Announces Heat Hazard Alert

On July 27^th, the Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a heat hazard alert to remind employers of their obligation to protect workers against heat illness or injury in outdoor and indoor workplaces. The department also announced that OSHA will intensify its enforcement where workers are exposed to heat hazards, with increased inspections in high-risk industries like construction and agriculture. These actions will fully implement the agency’s National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, announced in April 2022, to focus enforcement efforts in geographic areas and industries with the most vulnerable workers.  In addition, the government has launched a new website called ‘heat.gov’, where one can check where current heat alerts are taking place, and information on how to best mitigate and prevent heat related illness, stresses, and other negative effects.