OSHA Flooded with more than 1,000 Comments as Stakeholders Weigh in on Proposed Heat Illness Prevention Standard

We knew it would be a hot topic, but the comment period for the new U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings, has only been open since 30 August 2024 and it already has logged 1,589 comments as of noon EST on 6 September 2024.

The proposed rulemaking, which was published in July 2024, would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, with some exceptions. OSHA is requesting comments on all aspects of the proposed rule. Agencies like OSHA review all submissions and may choose to redact or withhold certain submissions or portions thereof. Submitted comments may not be available to be read until the agency has approved them. So far, 22 comments have been posted publicly. Stakeholders have until 31 December 2024 to submit their comments and relevant documentation to OSHA.