Dept. of Labor Announces Proposed Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat
The U.S. Department of Labor has released a proposed rule that would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat.
Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.
Employers would also be required to provide training, have procedures in place, and take immediate action to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness.
“Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Doug Parker. “Today’s proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.” ?
Right now, five states have some laws on the books protecting workers from excessive heat: California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, OSHA cites on its website. The rule would not apply to farms with 10 or fewer workers. It would apply to an estimated 105,000 farms and related agribusinesses, affecting nearly 1.14 million farm and agricultural processing workers.
Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.
Employers would also be required to provide training, have procedures in place, and take immediate action to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness.
“Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Doug Parker. “Today’s proposal is an important next step in the process to receive public input to craft a ‘win-win’ final rule that protects workers while being practical and workable for employers.” ?
Right now, five states have some laws on the books protecting workers from excessive heat: California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, OSHA cites on its website. The rule would not apply to farms with 10 or fewer workers. It would apply to an estimated 105,000 farms and related agribusinesses, affecting nearly 1.14 million farm and agricultural processing workers.