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Commissioner Dahlhausen proposes OSHA consultations plus permit incentives to curb heat‑illness for outdoor workers
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Summary
Commissioner Dahlhausen revised an earlier draft on heat‑illness prevention, suggesting employers complete OSHA consultations and, after remedying findings, qualify for incentives such as discounted permits; commissioners discussed defining 'outdoor worker' and enforcement feasibility.
Commissioner Dahlhausen returned to a previously discussed draft recommendation aimed at preventing heat‑related illness among outdoor workers, arguing for a pragmatic approach that avoids burdensome enforcement while encouraging employer compliance.
Rather than relying on voluntary pledges, Dahlhausen proposed that employers obtain a free OSHA consultation focused on heat‑safety practices, address any issues the consultation identifies and then become eligible for incentives such as reduced permit fees as recognition of compliance. “I think the idea is instead of a pledge, the employer has to do an OSHA consult around heat related safety,” she said.
Commissioners discussed whether the recommendation should cover construction only or all outdoor workers and noted the need for a clear definition (for example, working outdoors a certain number of hours). Several commissioners supported the redraft as a realistic route to increase employer adoption of best practices without creating onerous site inspection programs.
No formal action was taken; commissioners encouraged Dahlhausen to tighten the draft’s definitions and return a revised text for possible future action.
