Workplace Heat Safety Regulations Coming Soon

OSHA is moving the needle on workplace heat-related guidelines. 

After reviewing OSHA’s initial regulatory framework, the Construction Safety and Health Advisory Committee recommended OSHA move forward quickly with a notice of proposed rulemaking.

The agency will consider input from a wide variety of stakeholders as part of the rulemaking process.

The publication of this initial framework marks the second stage in the process of proposed rulemaking. 

The standard is likely to cover general industry, construction, maritime, and agricultural sectors. 

Employers in these sectors under OSHA’s jurisdiction will likely be required to create a plan to evaluate and control heat standards. 

OSHA is however, considering possible exclusions such as short-duration exposures, emergency response, telework, and indoor sedentary activities.

Heat Exposure 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2011 to 2022 shows an average of 40 heat-related fatalities annually. Thousands more suffer from illnesses related to dangerous heat exposure. 

By law, employers must protect workers from the dangers of heat exposure and must have an appropriate safety and health plan. 

Employees new to or returning to a high-temperature workplace should be given time to gradually acclimate. 

At a minimum, employers should provide sufficient cold water, breaks, and shade or a cool rest area. 

Employers should give employees new to or returning to a high-temperature workplace time to gradually acclimate to working in high temperatures. 

OSHA recommends workers and managers receive training to be able to identify and help prevent heat illnesses. 

Prevention

As OSHA officials continue the process of developing a rule, inspections will continue under the national emphasis program.

OSHA has conducted 5,000 federal heat-related inspections since launching the national emphasis program in 2022.  

The agency is also encouraging companies to participate in this year’s Beat the Heat contest. 

OSHA has conducted 5,000 federal heat-related inspections since launching the national emphasis program.  

OSHA is encouraging employers to capture an image of how to work safely in the heat and share it with the agency. 

Judges will look at the quality of the photos, originality, creativity, suitability for OSHA publications, clarity of its message, and inclusion of workers, employers, or other workplace imagery. 

Employers have until July 19 to submit a photo.