OSHA has established a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat-related illness prevention, which addresses heat-related hazards in the workplace. They believe this NEP (which they’re working to make a permanent standard) is necessary because of the statistics surrounding heat-related illnesses and injuries. There are over 3,500 work-related heat illness cases reported annually, with 43 of them being fatalities (BLS average 2017-2021).
 
The program went into effect on April 8, 2022, and is a nationwide enforcement initiative allowing OSHA to proactively inspect workplaces for heat-related hazards across general industry, maritime, construction, and agriculture operations. It applies not only to employers who operate outdoors (e.g., construction, farming, landscaping), but to indoor operations as well (e.g., manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, etc.). In fact, the list of targeted industries includes over 70 NAICS codes.
 
The NEP emphasizes the importance of employers providing access to water, rest, and shade (or escape from heat sources), as well as adequate training and acclimatization schedules for new and returning employees. The program also establishes “heat priority days” when the heat index is expected to be 80°F or higher, prompting OSHA inspections within certain industries. 
 
The first step toward compliance is a multi-faceted assessment of your operations and environment to determine risk levels. This includes factors like ambient temperature and humidity, air movement, workload and metabolic heat generation, clothing and PPE, and other variables that influence heat stress. The results will determine the type and degree of prevention measures that must be implemented to ensure an effective heat illness program.  
 
As with any safety topic, it's not just about avoiding penalties, but about providing a safe and healthy environment for your workforce. Employers who develop a comprehensive heat illness prevention strategy not only comply with OSHA's regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ well-being.
 
Please reach out to our safety team if you need assistance with a risk assessment, developing prevention strategies, training, or creating your entire program. 440.249.5203