On Sept. 30, ABC launched an important survey to obtain ABC member contractor feedback on OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Indoor and Outdoor Settings proposed rule. OSHA’s proposed rule would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction and require employers to develop programs and implement controls to protect employees from heat hazards. 

Elements of the proposal include the following:

• Training requirements for supervisors, heat safety coordinators and employees;
• Developing and implementing a worksite heat injury and illness prevention plan (a written plan must be created for employers with more than 10 employees);
• An initial heat trigger with a heat index of 80°F (or equivalent wet bulb globe temperature). Requirements for employers include providing drinking water, break areas for indoor and outdoor worksites, acclimatization of new and returning employees, paid rest breaks if needed and more;
• A high heat trigger with a heat index of 90°F (or equivalent wet bulb globe temperature). Requirements for employers include mandatory rest breaks of 15 minutes at least every two hours (an unpaid meal break may count as a rest break), warning signs for excessively high heat areas and more;
• Two different options for acclimatization procedures for new and returning workers; and
• Additional recordkeeping requirements.

For more information about the proposed rule, see OSHA’s fact sheet and heat webpage as well as ABC’s Regulatory Roundup.

OSHA is accepting comments on the proposed rule from public stakeholders until Dec. 30. ABC will utilize the anonymous survey data and anecdotes to inform our efforts. Understanding the impact of these requirements on ABC members is critical.

ABC contractor members who are interested in participating in the survey should email Karen Livingston at [email protected] to receive the survey link. The survey will close at 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 11.