L&I adopts a permanent rule on outdoor heat exposure

The news release is available here.

L&I filed a new permanent workplace rule to protect workers from outdoor heat exposure on June 4, 2008. The rule will become effective on July 5th, 2008. The rule language is available here. More information is available below.

Required heat stress posters? No – it’s a scam.

NEW WRD 10.15 DOSH Directive: Outdoor Heat Exposure Enforcement Procedures.

NEW Outdoor Heat Exposure Frequently Asked Questions (64 KB PDF).

Training Materials

• Sample Employee Training Presentation (MS Powerpoint 1.22 MB/ 7 min) – Includes all of the employee training requirements of the rule.
• Sample Supervisor Training Presentation (MS Powerpoint 1.23 MB/ 7 min) – Includes all of the supervisor training requirements of the rule.
• Sample “Train the Trainer” Presentation (MS Powerpoint 1 MB/ 6 min) – Expanded presentation suitable for use for training those who will conduct your training. Includes information on the rule as well as slides with all training requirements for employees and supervisors. A Spanish version is also available (MS Powerpoint 1.6 MB/ 9 min).
• Outdoor Heat Exposure safety tips card. The card folds to pocket size and is available in English and Spanish.
• Example Addendum to the Accident Prevention Plan for Outdoor Heat Exposure (DOC).

Response to Public Comments

The Department conducted 6 public hearings and solicited written comments on a proposed rule filed on March 19, 2008. The results of that process are available in the Concise Explanatory Statement (CES). The individual elements of the CES are available in Adobe Acrobat format below:

• Purpose of Rulemaking (213 KB PDF)
• Outdoor Heat Exposure Policy Rationale (370 KB PDF)
• Literature Review (570 KB PDF)
• Economic Analyses (2,680 KB PDF)
• Comparison of Adopted Rules to Proposed Rules (389 KB PDF)
• Summary of Comments Received and Department Response (4,911 KB PDF)
• Appendix 1: Pertinent Rules for Heat-Related Illness (364 KB PDF)

About the Rule

The rule requires employers with employees who work outdoors to:

• Train employees and supervisors to recognize heat-related illness and what to do if someone has symptoms.
• On days when temperatures require preventive measures, increase the volume of water available to employees.
• Have the ability to appropriately respond to any employee with symptoms of illness.

Workshops

Outdoor Heat Exposure Workshops are currently being scheduled for the spring and summer of 2009. For more information on workshops dates and locations in your area please see the Available Workshops page. Outdoor Heat Exposure Workshops can be scheduled for associations or groups by contacting Sharon Drozdowsky (360-902-4622 or dros235@lni.wa.gov) providing that attendance will total 12 or more and we have at least three weeks notice. Individual employers can request a free workplace consultation.