OSHA extends comment period for proposed heat rule

Washington — OSHA has extended until Jan. 14 the comment period on a proposed rule aimed at protecting indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses.

According to a notice published Nov. 29, the extension provides stakeholders with additional time to collect information and data necessary to submit responses and comments. The initial deadline was Dec. 30.

“Reducing the dangers of workplace heat exposure and illness is critical to saving lives and preventing workers from suffering needless illnesses,” OSHA administrator Doug Parker said in a press release. “This 15-day extension to the already lengthy comment period will take the deadline past the holiday season and help ensure that stakeholders can share valuable insights we need to craft a rule that protects workers from extreme heat indoors and outdoors effectively.”

Additionally, OSHA has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule for 9:30 a.m. Eastern on June 16, 2025. However, it’s unclear whether the incoming Trump administration will keep or cancel the informal hearing.

OSHA published a draft of the proposed rule on July 2 – a day after the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs finished its review of the proposal that began June 11.

In May, OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health unanimously approved the proposed rule. The proposal was also examined by a Small Business Advocacy Review panel.