OSHA Heat Stress Standard: May 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner

Q: Does OSHA currently have a heat stress standard?

A: Not at this time, but they will use the General Duty Clause to issue citations.

On October 27, 2021, OSHA published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings in the Federal Register. With this publication, OSHA is beginning the rulemaking process to consider a heat-specific workplace standard. A standard specific to heat-related injury and illness prevention would more clearly set forth employer obligations and the measures necessary to more effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce the number of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by exposure to hazardous heat.

The publication of the ANPRM initiated a public comment period allowing OSHA to gather information, diverse perspectives and technical expertise on issues that might be considered in developing a heat standard. These issues include the scope of a standard, heat stress thresholds for workers across various industries, heat acclimatization planning, and heat exposure monitoring, as well as the nature, types, and effectiveness of controls that may be required as part of a standard.

The publication of this ANPRM has no impact on OSHA’s current enforcement policies.

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

2020 Stress Survey Results

Stress was already an issue in American culture before COVID-19 but we all know the pandemic took it to new levels previously unimaginable to our generation.

Understanding this, we wanted to take a closer look and measure its impact on our members and their employees. On October 28, 2020, we emailed our members a survey asking them about stress since COVID-19. To view the results, click here.

Stress Experts Wanted: Overcoming Stress Podcast Series

We’re looking to interview experts on stress from various industries & backgrounds for our new podcast series on overcoming stress!

Each episode will last about 10-20 minutes and ask 2 main questions:

  1. From your professional experience, what are some ways you have seen stress affect people?
  2. What are some practical steps people can take to reduce and overcome stress?

If you’re interested in being a guest, please contact us today!

*Interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom or over the phone.

Online Consent & Release Form

June 14, 2018 – How to Prevent Heat Related Injuries & Illnesses at Work

Greetings Safety Council Members!

Our next meeting is Thursday, June 14, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the Ravenna Elks Club which is located at 776 N Freedom St in Ravenna.  The official meeting notice is attached.

Our topic for this month is…

How to Prevent Heat Related Injuries & Illnesses at Work, Bill Hocevar, Director of Risk and Compliance, The Great Lakes Construction Co.

Bill Hocevar is a certified safety professional and certified industrial hygienist, with a master’s in chemistry and 18 years of experience in safety. During his time at Great Lakes Construction, Bill has been chosen to speak at the national level for various organizations such as NUCO, AGC of America, and the Ohio Safety Congress.

He has been named Safety Professional of the year by The Greater Cleveland Safety Council, led his company to be named “America’s Safest Company” by EHS Today, been named The Best in the Nation for Safety Programs and Implementation by AGC of America three times, and won the Liberty Mutual Golden Fleet Award.

This training is ideal for safety managers, HR, and all staff!

Please RSVP no later than 12pm on Monday, June 11, 2018.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW

Please make your check payable to: “Portage County Safety Council.” If you would like to pay by credit card prior to the event, please email us for an invoice. Cost for lunch is still just $15/person for members and $20 for non-members.