Oregon-OSHA adopts temporary heat safety rules in wake of historic temperatures

The entire Pacific Northwest region has suffered through a recent period of unprecedentedly high temperatures, even for summer. In response, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon-OSHA) has adopted emergency heat safety rules that apply whenever employees must work when the heat index is 80 degrees or more.

What is heat index?

The heat index is calculated using both temperature and humidity to create a “feels like” temperature. The rules require designated shade areas, access to drinking water, and training. When the heat index is 90 degrees or more, employers must also monitor workers for signs of heat illness, ensure they can contact a supervisor if needed, designate a worker on-site to contact emergency services, and require them to take a 10-minute cool-down break every two hours.

The rule doesn’t apply when heat is generated from work processes (e.g., the excessive heat is the result of steel mill operations). Other rules may cover such work. The rules also exclude work time spent in vehicles and when employees aren’t required to work more than 15 minutes in an hour with a heat index of 80 degrees or more.

Heat index of 80 degrees or more