OSHA Heat Rule Available for Public Comment

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Labor has published in the Federal Register its proposed heat rule to protect millions of workers from the significant health risks of extreme heat and its publication in the Federal Register.

Announced in July 2024 by OSHA, the rule – if finalized – would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce workplace heat injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

OSHA encourages public participation in the rulemaking process as it will help the agency develop a final rule that adequately protects workers, is feasible for employers and is based on the best available evidence.

Comments may be submitted to Docket Number OSHA-2021-0009. Directions on how to submit comments are included in the Federal Register notice. OSHA anticipates holding a public hearing after the close of the written comment period on December 30, 2024, with details to be announced.
The proposed rule was officially published August 30.

“While nothing has changed in the proposed rule,” Frank Meilinger, director of OSHA’s Office of Communications, highlights the following key points that may be of interest.
•     Today’s publication of the proposed rule officially opens the comment period which will remain open until December 30.

•     All written comments are welcomed, including input on the specific questions in the proposed rule.

•     Comments can be submitted to the heat rulemaking docket at OSHA-2021-0009.

•     The agency anticipates a public hearing after the close of the written comment period. Details will be announced at the appropriate time.

For more information, go to dol.gov or osha.gov.