DOL Proposes Extreme Heat Workplace Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor unveiled a proposal July 2 to address excessive heat in the workplace.  

If adopted, it would be the country’s first major regulation related to heat exposure. 

The proposed rule applies to all employers conducting work in outdoor and indoor settings across all general industries where OSHA has jurisdiction. 

The rule does not cover sedentary workers, remote workers, workers who are exposed to heat for short periods of time, and those working inside a facility that is cooler than 80 degrees.

Various business organizations, including the Construction Industry Safety Coalition have expressed concern with a general regulation that spans across many industries. 

Guidelines 

The proposed plan requires employers to identify and evaluate heat risks, develop emergency response plans, and train employees about signs and symptoms of heat illness. 

The plan includes implementation requirements for taking breaks and drinking water. 

It also requires employers to have a plan in place to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.

Employers are encouraged to submit written comments on the rule once it is published in the Federal Register. 

The plan includes implementation requirements for taking breaks and drinking water. 

The Department of Labor anticipates holding a public hearing following the written comment period. 

In the interim, OSHA officials are continuing to conduct heat-related inspections under the national emphasis program.

The program inspects workplaces with the highest exposures to heat-related hazards in an effort to prevent workers. 

OSHA has conducted more than 5,000 federal heat-related inspections since its launch in 2022.

---

For more information, contact CBIA’s Phillip Montgomery (860.244.1982).