OSHA extends comment period for proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention

Washington — OSHA has extended until Jan. 26 the comment period for a proposed rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat exposure in indoor and outdoor settings.

According to a Dec. 2 press release, the extension allows stakeholders additional time to review the advance notice of proposed rulemaking as well as collect information and data necessary for comment. The agency published the ANPRM in the Oct. 27 Federal Register, with the initial comment period slated to end Dec. 27.

According to the ANPRM, OSHA is interested in obtaining more information about “the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness.”

The ANPRM includes more than 100 questions to help guide stakeholder comments. In particular, the agency is hoping to receive input on heat-stress thresholds, heat-acclimatization planning and exposure monitoring.

The agency announced a national enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards on Sept. 1. The agency also is developing a National Emphasis Program for heat-related inspections. Additionally, OSHA’s National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health will initiate a heat injury and illness prevention work group to share best practices, among other measures.