OSHA Releases Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule

Words: Lily BurgerOn July 2, OSHA released its “Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Rule” as a new, proposed standard to prevent heat illnesses and injury in indoor and outdoor settings. The MCAA, as part of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), has been in conversations with OSHA and OIRA throughout this entire process.

This proposal will impact all MCAA members to varying degrees depending on regionality. And impact both public and private sector employees. The OSHA proposed rule will implement regulations and practices such as:
  • Required training for supervisors, heat safety coordinators, and employees about the proposed program
  • Developing and implementing a work site heat injury and illness prevention plan for companies with more than 10 employees
  • Initial heat triggers with a heat index of 80F with employers providing drinking water, break areas on indoor/outdoor work sites, paid rest breaks if needed, etc.
  • High heat trigger with a heat index of 90F with employers providing a minimum 15-minute paid rest break at least every two hours, warning signs for excessive high heat areas, etc.
  • Additional recordkeeping requirements
We, through the CISC, have provided feedback regarding the need for flexibility and reasonable expectations for mason contractors throughout the entire process. As the proposed rule evolves, we will continue to keep members posted.

For more information, please see the attached documents:

Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA has released a news release on the proposed rule available at Biden-Harris administration announces proposed rule to protect indoor, outdoor workers from extreme heat | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

The White House has issued a Fact Sheet about OSHA’s proposed Heat rule available at White House Fact Sheet.

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