Lily Miller, Manager of Safety and Environmental Policy, at the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), testified at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) informal public hearing on the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention proposed rule.
She testified on behalf of AF&PA and the American Wood Council (AWC) and made the following key points:
AF&PA and AWC members have long recognized the importance of protecting workers from heat injury and illness.
OSHA should withdraw the prescriptive proposed rule and re-propose an achievable, performance-based rule that allows effective industry programs to continue and advance.
Any final rule should allow for the adoption of emerging technologies to assist in managing heat in the most effective way for specific worksites.
AF&PA and AWC have been engaged with the OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rulemaking since the advanced notice of proposed rule-making (ANPRM) in 2021. OSHA held the informal public hearing to gather more stakeholder input.
If finalized, member company facilities will be subject to a federal OSHA standard to prevent heat injury and illness among employees. AF&PA is hoping to collaborate with OSHA to achieve a scientifically sound and achievable standard and would facilitate further progress.
AF&PA and AWC will follow up with OSHA through post-hearing comment and continue to advocate for a performance-based rule.
https://boardconvertingnews.com/testimony-advocates-for-flexibility-at-osha-hearing-on-heat-rule/
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