OSHA expanding to protect workers from extreme heat
To combat the hazards associated with extreme heat exposure both indoors and outdoors, the White House announced efforts the U.S. Department of Labor is taking to address heat-related illnesses. The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is initiating measures to protect workers in hot environments and reduce the dangers of exposure to ambient heat.
OSHA is implementing an enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards, developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections, and launching a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard. In addition, the agency is forming a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group to provide better understanding of challenges and to identify and share best practices to protect workers.