SWANA Comments on OSHA Proposed Heat Regulations

Silver Spring, MD – The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) submitted comments on the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed standards.  

SWANA commends OSHA for taking action to propose this new standard. Heat is a serious safety concern, as many occupations in the waste and resource management industry require working in high temperatures for extended periods of time. The SWANA strategic plan points to the importance of heat safety with a strategy to “encourage and participate in the development of temperature standards for employees working in the industry.”  

“Safety is a top priority for SWANA, and we plan to continue to coordinate with OSHA on the next steps,” says SWANA executive director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. “Heat safety, especially, is a serious concern for SWANA. We appreciate OSHA’s focus on preparing new heat standards and hope to work together to improve employee safety.” 

The submitted comments focus on how to implement heat safety in a feasible, effective, and affordable manner.  SWANA discusses the operational considerations that are unique to the waste and resource management industry, such as how to include collections routes in the proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. SWANA also points to the heat thresholds and requests that OSHA consider allowing the heat index thresholds to vary by region.  

“The waste and resource management industry has very unique considerations. Drivers may be on collection routes all day in vehicles without air-conditioning, dressed in full safety gear. SWANA asks for clear and concise guidance from OSHA that takes into consideration the specific conditions of our industry,” remarks Kristyn Oldendorf, SWANA senior director of advocacy and communications.  

In addition, SWANA requests federal funding opportunities in the form of grants and/or low interest loans to support employers with implementing the required measures. 

SWANA will continue to track the progress of the proposed regulations and work with OSHA on next steps.