IOSH voices support for proposed US heat rule

The Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule was discussed at a recent informal public hearing held by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

As a registered participant, IOSH was invited to the hearing to contribute international expertise and advocate for stronger protections against heat-related risks in the workplace.

The proposed rule, if it moves towards finalisation, could represent a critical advancement in safeguarding the occupational safety and health (OSH) of workers across the US. 

As climate change intensifies and extreme heat events become more frequent and severe, so does the need for comprehensive, enforceable protections against heat-related hazards.

Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the US. Workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and warehousing are disproportionately affected. The proposed rule addresses this growing threat by establishing clear requirements for employers to assess heat risks, implement preventative measures, and respond effectively to heat-related incidents.

IOSH’s participation in this national conversation on how to protect workers from heat-related hazards came after its technical input throughout the public comment period that took place in the last quarter of 2024. Reads its recommendations.

In its response, IOSH advocated for establishing a federal heat standard to protect all workers, especially vulnerable groups. It also pointed to the key role that OSH professionals can play in the legislative and regulatory discussions through a more effective adoption and implementation of tailored risk assessments, climate adaptation strategies and policy development and implementation.

Ruth added: “Our viewpoint is also consistent with developments happening in other jurisdictions and changes in national policies. This includes workplace-level measures such as rest breaks, hydration, acclimatisation protocols and access to cooling, tailored to protect vulnerable workers in high-risk sectors and settings.”

IOSH will also submit post-hearing input and additional documentary evidence before the hearing record is officially closed.

Note: OSHA's Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on 30 August 2024.