On July 8, 2021, Oregon OSHA released a temporary rule to provide protection for workers exposed to high heat temperatures. The temporary rule is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 180 days. The rule applies to any workplace – outdoors and indoors – whenever an employee performs work activities and the heat index (“feels like” temperature to the body) equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not apply to incidental exposure when an employee is not required to perform work activity for more than 15 minutes in any sixty-minute period.
In their press release, OR OSHA provides a summary of the new rule. The full text of the temporary rule can be found here.
When the heat index reaches 80 degrees, the rule requires employers to provide employees with access to shaded areas that are open air or ventilated and readily accessible drinking water that is 77 degrees or colder.
There are additional requirements when the heat index reaches 90 degrees, including:
- ensuring effective communication between employees and supervisors so that employees can report concerns
- observing employees for signs and symptoms of heat illness or the need for medical attention
- development of an emergency medical plan
- providing cool down rest periods
The rule also includes employee and supervisor training requirements by August 1, 2021, to include the following topics:
- the environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness,
- the procedures for complying with the requirements of this standard as well as the employees’ right to exercise their rights under this standard without fear of retaliation.
- the concept, importance, and methods of adapting to working in a hot environment.
- the importance of employees immediately reporting symptoms or signs of heat illness in themselves, or in co-workers.
- the effects of non-job factors (medications, alcohol, obesity, etc.) on tolerance to workplace heat stress.
- the different types of heat-related illness, and the common signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
Oregon OSHA references the following tools and resources on heat stress:
- The federal OSHA heat stress app is useful for planning outdoor work activities based on how hot it feels during the day.
- Oregon OSHA provides heat stress prevention videos in English and Spanish.
- A-to-Z topic page about heat stress includes quick guides, fact sheets, and posters in English and Spanish.