OSHA Releases Proposed Heat Safety Rule

What happened: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) July 2 released a pre-publication version of its proposed heat safety standards for indoor and outdoor work settings. The long-awaited proposal introduces several requirements to protect workers from heat exposure. ARTBA has repeatedly stressed the need for flexibility and a non-uniform approach. On July 1, ARTBA members Meg Rietschlin (Rietschlin Construction) and Mark Ligon (Vecellio Group), along with ARTBA Senior VP, Safety & Education Brad Sant and VP & Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Prianka Sharma, met with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to express these concerns, which were largely ignored.

Why it matters: Heat is a known hazard in transportation construction. OSHA’s proposal introduces a heat trigger at 80 degrees and a high-heat trigger at 90 degrees. At both triggers, employers must provide a certain amount of cool water per employee, and additional requirements apply at the high heat. The proposal also includes new record-keeping and a mandate to create a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP).

ARTBA has prepared a Fact Sheet outlining the specific requirements of the rule.

What’s next: Once published in the Federal Register, the public will have 120 days to comment on the proposal. ARTBA will convene a member working group to receive feedback. Contact ARTBA’s Brad Sant or Prianka Sharma for more information.