Hot Topic: OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Rulemaking

On August 30th, 2024, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register for their Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Standard. The public comment period concluded on January 14th, 2025, and there is an informal public hearing on the rule scheduled for June 16th, 2025.

Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Graphic

What does this mean?

While the status of the OSHA "Heat Stress Standard" is uncertain for 2025, it does not mean that the provisions of the standard can be ignored.

1. OSHA can (and has been) citing employers under their General Duty Clause in absence of a formal OSHA Heat Standard

2. OSHA has extended their Heat National Emphasis Program until at least April 2026. OSHA Reports that they have conducted at least 7,000 inspections as part of their Heat National Emphasis Program since 2022. CPL-03-01-024 Extension of CPL 03-00-024, National Emphasis Program – Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards

3. Specific States such as Maryland, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota have already enacted their own state plan rules on Heat Illness Prevention.

Scope Safety Management has experience with tailoring an appropriate approach to specific businesses. This includes development of a Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP), development of training and communication resources, and building these plans around unique business circumstances and considerations.