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https://lnkd.in/e7fgENnw OSHA proposes first federal safety standard on excessive heat at work Updated: Jul. 05, 2024, 1:11 a.m.|Published: Jul. 03, 2024, 2:25 p.m. By Daniel Urie | [email protected] The U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA have proposed the first-ever federal safety standard addressing excessive heat in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the goal is to protect millions of workers from the significant health risks of extreme heat. If finalized, OSHA said the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., according to OSHA. “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,” Doug Parker, assistant secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, said in a news release. “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.” The proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. Among other things, OSHA said the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and 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 to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness, and take immediate action to help a worker experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat emergency. The proposed rule would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. “Record-breaking temperatures across the nation have increased the risks people face on-the-job, especially in summer months,” OSHA said in the news release. “Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more suffer illnesses related to hazardous heat exposure that, sadly, are most often preventable.” There were 479 workers in the U.S. who died from exposure to environmental heat from 2011-2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, there were 33,890 estimated work-related heat injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work from 2011-2020, according to OSHA.

OSHA proposes first federal safety standard on excessive heat at work

OSHA proposes first federal safety standard on excessive heat at work

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