The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a heat hazard alert via OSHA, emphasizing employers’ responsibility to safeguard workers against heat-related illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work settings. OSHA plans to heighten enforcement efforts, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction and agriculture, utilizing its National Emphasis Program on “Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed alarming statistics, including 436 deaths due to workplace heat exposure and 2,700 cases of heat-related illnesses annually, placing economic burdens on both workers and employers. Several states, particularly on the West Coast, have initiated heat illness prevention regulations or rulemaking processes, with California, Washington, and Oregon leading the way in addressing both indoor and outdoor heat risks.
