At STC, we are committed to keeping our clients informed on the latest news happening in our industry. Recently, OSHA passed a new rule regarding working temperatures in an attempt to limit the number of heat illness cases and fatalities. Here is everything you need to know about the new rules regarding heat illness and how they might affect how your business operates:
Expanded Measures to Protect Workers
The enhanced and expanded measures from OSHA are intended to protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat, both inside and outside. The new regulations specifically target those who work in conditions of 80˚ Fahrenheit or more either inside of their facility or outside on the job. Their new tactics will include an intervention and enforcement initiative to protect workers.
Implementing an Enforcement Initiative
The new enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards will be used to prevent illness and protect workers from heat-related illnesses while they are working in hot environments. In addition, OSHA will also be implementing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections and launching a more regulated rulemaking process to develop a workplace heating standard.
The Hazards of Extreme Heat
While the new regulations will help regulate working conditions for employees, we see it as a win for workers everywhere who have had to work in hazardous conditions. In 2019 alone, 43 workers died from heat illness and at least 2,410 others suffered serious injuries and illnesses. Since heat illness is a highly preventable injury, the new regulations are a much-needed change.
No matter how you choose to start regulating these rules into your workplace, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, instructor-led training and safety consulting services that will help build a safety culture around your business. Want to learn more about the hazards of extreme heat from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!
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