The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) releases the following statement in response to OSHA’s proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention. This statement is attributed to ASSP President Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP. “ASSP is a strong advocate of OSHA’s efforts to safeguard workers who face high heat and humidity hazards. While we must first analyze the proposed rule once published in the Federal Register, we know there are significant benefits to having work practice standards that help employers manage heat-related risks. That guidance includes training, rest breaks, access to shade and water, heat acclimatization and emergency response plans. Employers must have the tools and resources to identify and prevent work hazards before incidents occur. The use of standards is an effective way to implement controls that improve occupational safety and health while saving workers’ lives.
“This past February, ASSP published the first voluntary national consensus standard addressing heat stress for workers in construction and demolition operations. ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024 offers guidance on protecting workers; explains how to acclimate workers to high heat conditions; and provides requirements for training employees and supervisors. Our guidance can be adapted to protect workers performing other outdoor jobs as well. We hope the proposed OSHA rule aligns with the industry best practices we have established to help prevent the thousands of heat-related injuries and illnesses on job sites every year.”