Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Summer 2024 was the hottest on record—and most of the United States grappled with dangerously high temperatures throughout July and August. The country has cooled down since then. But this summer’s extreme heat was a warning sign. Earth is only getting hotter, and we’re likely to see increasingly dangerous temperatures that could put your employees at […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on August 30, initiating a 120-day public comment period for the agency’s proposed heat illness prevention standard (89 Fed. Reg. 70698). OSHA first released the text of its proposal on the agency website on July 2. Comments on the proposed standard are […]
California’s new Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment standard has become effective, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced July 24. The indoor heat standard applies to most indoor workplaces, such as manufacturing facilities, restaurants, and warehouses. In indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to […]
On July 2, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released text of a proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard. The proposed regulation would contain requirements for water, shade, paid breaks, heat acclimatization, and training. Heat injury and illness prevention requirements would be triggered by a National Weather Service heat index of 80° Fahrenheit (F) or […]
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available through the Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funding will support under-resourced public schools with projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental sustainability, and decarbonize school buildings. “Creating a safe and healthy learning environment is critical to providing our children the best education […]
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB), which sets workplace safety and health standards for the state, released revised text of its draft standard for heat illness prevention in indoor spaces. The board updated its draft standard in response to comments made in an earlier draft. Changes to the proposed regulation include: Comments were due […]
With parts of the country experiencing record-breaking heatwaves this summer, employers and managers must protect their workers from the dangers of heat stress and illness. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers get sick or even die from occupational heat exposure every year, despite it being entirely preventable. Hazardous heat […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) September 20 announced “enhanced and expanded efforts” to address worker exposures to excessive heat and heat-related illnesses. The agency will develop a National Emphasis Program (NEP) and workplace heat standards, according to a White House announcement of interagency efforts to address heat hazards.