Rising Temps, Rising Safety Concerns: OSHA's New Heat Standard

In recent years, there has been growing concern about extreme heat and its impact on workers’ health. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a proposed rule with the goal of protecting millions of workers from the the significant health risks of extreme heat. If finalized, OSHA’s new heat standard would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace.?

According to Scientific American, “Extreme heat is the number-one weather-related cause of death in the U.S., and it kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined.” The effects of exposure to extreme heat can set in quickly and cause damage to the central nervous system, brain, and other vital organs. It also exacerbates existing medical conditions such as hypertension and heart disease and is especially dangerous for those suffering from chronic disease.

The proposed rule from OSHA is multifaceted. Included is a requirement for employers to develop a Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIIP) which addresses the following:

• Acclimatization
• Monitoring heat exposure
• Heat training
• Rest and hydration
• Emergency response

Indoors or outdoors, extreme heat is dangerous. When implemented, OSHA’s new heat standard will protect workers from these dangers. With the inclusion of preventative measures, training, and monitoring, this standard has the potential to mitigate risks presented by heat exposure and therefore, minimize heat related illness and death.

To learn more about the new proposed standard, please visit: https://exceedsafety.com/osha-heat-standard/

Don't have a Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place? While it's not yet required, Exceed Safety can help you get ahead of the game! Contact us today!