Recent emphasis programs have focused on the health and wellbeing of workers while working outside under extreme heat conditions. Three years ago, Washington established the Outdoor Heat Exposure Rule to protect workers in those conditions. But what about workers that work indoors while being exposed to high temperatures. What’s in place to protect them?
Indoor heat exposure is currently regulated under the OSHA “General Duty Clause”, but more specific regulations are on the horizon. In 2024, OSHA published proposed rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The new standard would provide clarity to employers on how to assess, control, and protect workers from hazardous heat environments. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has also recently announced a preproposal statement for an Indoor Heat Standard. Some key aspects that will be considered include:
- Trigger Temperatures
- Heat Stress effects on a worker
- Information and Training program requirements
- Preventative Measures
- Emergency Response
* For the most up-to-date rulemaking information, check out the Federal rulemaking agenda and the Washington L&I rulemaking agenda.
