The United States Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have proposed the first ever safety standard to protect employees working and exposed to excessive heat in the workplace.
OSHA reported heat as the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. with effects like stroke and even death being brought-on by excessive heat, and every year, dozens of workers die and thousands suffer from illness related to heat exposure, though often preventable.
The proposed rule requires employers to develop an injury and illness plan to “control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat,” hold employers responsible for evaluating heat risks and protect workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.
Additionally, the standard would require employers to implement requirements for drinking water and breaks for rest.
“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 Douglas L. Parker, in a release.
If approved, employees will be required to provide training and establish a response procedure if a worker experiences signs and symptoms related to heat-related illness.
The rule would protect about 36 million workers and “substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace,” according to a release.
OSHA encourages the public to submit comments on the rule once it is published in the Federal Register.
