The federal government has extended the comment period for its proposed heat safety rule, giving stakeholders more time to weigh in on protecting workers from extreme heat.
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed rule aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in indoor and outdoor workplaces. Originally set to close on December 30, 2024, the comment period will now remain open until January 14, 2025. The proposed rule would require employers to develop programs to protect their employees from outdoor and indoor heat hazards.
As previously covered by MACo, Maryland’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard took effect on September 30, 2024. It requires employers, including public employers, to protect workers from heat hazards in indoor and outdoor settings where the temperature reaches 80°F or higher.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, first published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024, seeks input on strategies to safeguard workers from the risks of extreme heat exposure. OSHA’s decision to extend the comment period allows stakeholders additional time to review the proposal and submit informed feedback supported by relevant data.
An informal public hearing on the proposed rule is scheduled to begin on June 16, 2025.
Find the proposed rule and background information here.
