DOL Extends Proposed Heat Illness Rule Comment Period

The U.S. Department of Labor is extending the public comment period for its heat injury, illness prevention proposed rule. 

Officials will accept comments until Jan. 14, 2025 on the proposal. 

OSHA is extending the deadline for submitting comments to provide stakeholders more time to review the proposed rule and gather relevant information and data for their input. 

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

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2011 to 2022 shows an average of 40 heat-related fatalities annually. 

Injury Prevention

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

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

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

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

Comments can be submitted online.

Agency officials said an informal public hearing on the proposed rule will begin June 16, 2025.