OSHA published a proposed rule for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings on August 30, 2024, held public hearings through July 2, 2025, and is reviewing post-hearing comments before issuing a final rule, according to the Federal Register and OSHA's rulemaking docket. The proposed rule would require employers to develop a written heat illness prevention plan including hazard identification, acclimatization procedures, rest breaks, and emergency response protocols when the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Operator takeaway
Every tow yard and every roadside call in summer heat makes you an outdoor employer under this rule — draft your written heat illness prevention plan now, because when the final rule publishes, compliance will be immediate.