A public comment period has opened for the Department of Labor’s proposed rule intended to protect millions of workers from the significant health risks of extreme heat. The item has been published in the Federal Register.
Announced in July 2024 by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the rule — if finalized — would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce workplace heat injuries, illnesses and fatalities, according to a news release.
The agency said it is encouraging public participation in the rulemaking process as it develops a final rule that adequately protects workers, is feasible for employers and is based on the best available evidence.
Comments should be submitted to docket number OSHA-2021-0009. Directions on how to submit comments are included in the Federal Register notice.
OSHA says it anticipates holding a public hearing after the close of the written comment period, with details to be announced.
