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Public Comment Requested: OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule

Hunter Jones / Tuesday, November 9, 2021

/ Categories: Portal Event, Portal News, Heat Beat Newsletter

Public Comment Requested: OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule

The public comment period closes on December 27th, 2021.

On October 27th, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. OSHA is interested in obtaining information about hazardous heat in the workplace, interventions and controls used to prevent heat illness, and diverse perspectives and expertise on topics including heat stress thresholds, heat acclimatization planning, and exposure monitoring. Recommendations should account for indoor and outdoor work environments and businesses of all different sizes.

OSHA is encouraging members of the public, especially affected workers and stakeholders, to review and submit feedback during the 60-day comment period. The public comment period closes on December 27^th, 2021. Please share this notice with any interested stakeholders.

Stakeholders can learn more about how to participate here and can read the ANPRM and submit a comment here or here.

This Photo was taken by Reinhold Möller.

Applications now being accepted for 2022 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaigns

Applications now being accepted for 2022 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaigns

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HEAT FORECASTS

Current Temperature Probability Outlook

6-10 Day
8-14 Day
Month
Three Month Outlook
Weeks 3-4 Experimental Outlook Temperature Probability

6-10 Day Temperature Probability Outlook

In this map, shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

8-14 Day Temperature Probability Outlook

In this map, shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

One Month Temperature Probability Outlook

In this map, shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

Three Month Temperature Outlook

In this map, shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

Weeks 3-4 Experimental Outlook Temperature Probability

In this experimental map, shaded areas show where average temperature has an increased chance of being warmer or cooler than usual. The darker the shading, the greater the chance for the indicated condition. White areas have equal chances for average temperatures that are below, near, or above the long-term average for the month.

Current Heat Index Outlook

8-14 Day Over 95°F
8-14 Day Over 90°F for 2 Days

8-14 Day Over 95°F

8-14 Day Over 95°F

This map shows the probability that the Average Heat Index (which takes into consideration temperature and humidity) will exceed a given value over for at least 2 days in the forecast window.

8-14 Day Over 90°F for 2 Days

This map shows the probability that the Average Heat Index (which takes into consideration temperature and humidity) will exceed a given value over for at least 2 days in the forecast window.

Global Tropical Hazards at Weeks 1 & 2

8-14 Day Over 95°F

This map shows global tropical hazards predicted by NOAA for the upcoming two week period. Orange and blue coloring indicates the level of confidence that above or below normal temperatures, respectively, will develop in the forecast window.

UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH RISK OF EXTREME HEAT

Health Outcomes

Exposure to extreme heat can have many direct effects on human health (heat stroke, reduced labor productivity), as well as indirect effects (promoting air pollution and increasing asthma attacks, overloading power grids requiring rolling blackouts). Negative health outcomes occur if an individual is exposed to the hazard and has not sufficiently adapted to reduce sensitivity.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity

Inherent characteristics of a person that make them disproportionately affected by heat, such as preexisting conditions, age, or occupation. To understand how to protect these groups, see Populations of Concern.

Adaptability

Adaptability

The ability of a person to take measures to reduce exposure and sensitivity - for example, avoiding outdoor activities during the day or wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed to mitigate heat buildup. When exposure is not preventable, adaptability can help reduce the impact of heat.

Exposure

Exposure

The extent to which an individual is exposed to extreme heat. Going outside on a hot, humid day and working in direct sunlight constitutes high exposure, while reducing exposure includes avoidance of these activities. Sometimes exposure is not preventable.

Climate conditions

Climate conditions

Climate conditions that create a heat hazard include direct sunlight, low winds, high humidity, and high temperatures. When these conditions exist, a heat hazard is created.

AT-RISK GROUPS

Higher summertime temperatures are linked to an increased risk of illnesses and death, particularly among certain groups. Select a group below to learn more.

Children

Read More

Emergency Responders

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Older Adults

Read More

Outdoor Workers

Read More

Athletes

Read More

Pets

Read More

HEAT WARNINGS IN YOUR AREA

View heat warnings in your area by state

STAYING SAFE DURING A HEAT WAVE

Key Safety Tips

Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
Check the weather/listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Safety Tips If You Have To Go Outside

Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Protect face and head by wearing sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

Additional Safety Tips

Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
Download the FEMA App for heat advisories and safety tips.
Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).

Safety Tips Before Extreme Heat Arrives

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know those in your neighborhood who are older, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

Tips to Prepare Your Home

Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
Keep storm windows up all year.

Heat Related Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme heat hazard:

Heat Wave - Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
Heat Index - A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
Heat Cramps - Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Sun Stroke - Another term for heat stroke.
Excessive Heat Watch - Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Excessive Heat Warning - Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).
Heat Advisory - Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

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NIHHIS is an integrated information system that builds understanding of the problem of extreme heat, defines demand for climate services that enhance societal resilience, develops science-based products and services from a sustained climate science research program, and improves capacity, communication, and societal understanding of the problem in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to extreme heat. NIHHIS is a jointly developed system by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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