By Dr. David Michaels
Commissioner, National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken a significant step in protecting workers from the dangers of excessive heat with its proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This rule is a pivotal development for worker health and safety; heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States and poses severe risks to workers across various industries.

Why Set a Standard

‍Heat exposure can lead to numerous health issues, including heat stroke, heart attack and stroke, and increased risk of injury among both indoor and outdoor workers. The proposed OSHA standard aims to reduce heat-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by setting clear protective measures for employers to follow.

Scope of the Standard

‍The proposed rule applies to all employers in the construction, maritime, agriculture, and general industry sectors under federal OSHA's jurisdiction. Exceptions include short-duration heat exposures, emergency response activities, indoor sites kept below 80°F, telework, and indoor sedentary work. 

Key Requirements of the Proposed Standard

Under the proposed rule, employers must develop comprehensive plans to assess and mitigate heat hazards in their workplaces.‍

1. Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP)

• Employers must develop and implement a HIIPP with site-specific information.
• This plan should evaluate and control heat hazards in both outdoor and indoor work settings.

2. Identifying Heat Hazards

• For outdoor sites, employers must monitor heat conditions via local forecasts or direct measurement of heat index or wet bulb globe temperature.
• For indoor sites, employers need to identify potential heat exposure areas, implement monitoring plans, and seek employee input.

3. Control Measures at Initial Heat Trigger (80°F)

• Provide cool drinking water.
• Offer break areas with cooling measures.
• Implement indoor work area controls.
• Establish acclimatization protocols for new and returning employees.
• Offer paid rest breaks if necessary to prevent overheating.
• Ensure regular and effective two-way communication.

4. Additional Measures at High Heat Trigger (90°F)

• Mandate 15-minute rest breaks every two hours.
• Observe employees for heat illness symptoms.
• Issue hazard alerts to remind employees of key HIIPP components.
• Place warning signs in indoor areas with ambient temperatures exceeding 120°F.

5. Emergency Response and Training

• Develop a heat emergency response plan.
• Provide initial and annual refresher training for supervisors, heat safety coordinators, and employees.
• Maintain records of indoor monitoring data for at least six months.

Stakeholder Participation

‍OSHA encourages public participation in the rulemaking process. Stakeholders, including workers and employers, can submit comments electronically at www.regulations.gov (Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009).

For more information on how to engage with this stage of the rulemaking process, visit OSHA's Rulemaking Process web page.

Stay Updated

‍For the latest updates and to view the unofficial version of the proposed rule, visit OSHA's Heat Exposure Rulemaking page.

The proposed heat standard is a vital advancement in workplace safety. By preparing for and implementing these measures, employers can protect their workers from the health impacts of extreme heat and create a safer, healthier work environment.

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‍Dr. David Michaels, PhD, MPH is a Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. He served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health from 2009 to 2017, the longest-serving administrator in OSHA’s history. Michaels is a member of The National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health and serves on the Health Action Alliance Advisory Council as Executive in Residence.