OSHA's Heat Stress Rule Moves into Final Stage

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new rule this past month to protect indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses. This significant update to workplace safety regulations emphasizes the need for comprehensive heat stress management plans and introduces specific requirements for workplace safety signs and labels. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed rule and its implications for your safety signage.

Overview of the Proposed Rule

Comprehensive Heat-Related Illness Prevention Plans
The proposed rule mandates that employers create and implement a heat-related illness and injury prevention plan for each worksite. For businesses with more than 10 employees, this plan must be documented in writing. The objective is to proactively manage heat stress and prevent heat-related illnesses through clear procedures and protocols.

Initial and High Heat Triggers
The rule defines two key triggers for implementing safety measures:

• Initial Heat Trigger: Activated when the heat index reaches 80° F or the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) matches the NIOSH Recommended Alert Limit. The WBGT considers various factors like air temperature, humidity, and radiant heat, providing a more accurate assessment of heat stress than the heat index.
• High Heat Trigger: Comes into effect when the heat index hits 90° F or the WBGT equals the NIOSH Recommended Alert Limit. This trigger demands more stringent safety measures, including increased monitoring and frequent rest breaks.

Key Requirements for Employers
To comply with the proposed rule, employers will need to:

• Monitor Employees for Heat Stress: Regularly observe workers to detect signs of heat stress and ensure their well-being.
• Identify and Manage Heat Hazards: Proactively address potential sources of heat-related risks in the workplace.
• Provide Water and Rest Breaks: Ensure that employees have access to 1 quart of water per hour and take rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Implement Indoor Work Area Controls: Manage indoor temperatures and environmental conditions to reduce heat exposure.
• Support Acclimatization: Help employees gradually adjust to heat conditions.
• Maintain Effective Communication: Keep open lines of communication between employers and employees to report and manage heat stress issues.
• Ensure Proper Maintenance of PPE: Keep personal protective equipment for heat in good condition.

Role of Workplace Safety Signs and Labels
As part of these new requirements, effective workplace safety signs and labels will play a crucial role in:

• Heat Hazard Alerts: Clearly visible signs should be placed in areas where heat hazards are present, particularly where temperatures exceed the initial heat trigger. These signs help in notifying employees about the risks and necessary precautions.
• Warning Signs for Extreme Temperatures: For indoor work areas where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 120° F, appropriate warning signs must be posted as a new requirement. These signs should effectively convey the seriousness of the heat conditions and prompt employees to take necessary precautions.
• Safety Instructions: Labels and signs should include instructions for staying hydrated, recognizing symptoms of heat-related illness, and steps to take in case of an emergency.

Exemptions and Exceptions

The proposed rule specifies certain exemptions, including:

• Work activities with no reasonable expectation of exposure to the initial heat trigger.
• Short-term exposure (15 minutes or less in any 60-minute period) to the initial heat trigger.
• Activities related to firefighting, emergency response, and other federally regulated emergency responses.
• Work performed in climate-controlled indoor areas or vehicles with air conditioning maintaining temperatures below 80° F.
• Telework and sedentary tasks involving minimal physical exertion (occasionally lifting items less than 10 pounds).

Next Steps to Be Aware of
OSHA is currently accepting public comments on the proposed rule, with a deadline set for December 30. This is an opportunity for employers and industry stakeholders to provide feedback or request a public hearing.

For more information on how to update your safety signs and labels to comply with modern safety regulations, or to learn more about workplace safety solutions, contact our team today. Our experts are here to help you navigate regulatory changes and enhance your workplace safety practices.

Stay proactive and ensure your workplace is equipped with the right signage to protect your employees from heat-related risks.

• Standards Insider