On June 16, 2025, members of ASSP had a significant opportunity to provide testimony during a public hearing hosted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on its proposed rule for heat injury and illness prevention in indoor and outdoor work settings. 

This moment marked a meaningful opportunity for ASSP to represent the collective voice of the safety profession and offer technical guidance rooted in decades of member experience. We were proud to bring forward expert perspectives that emphasized the importance of evidence-based heat stress prevention strategies and the value of clear, practical guidance for employers across industries. As a long-time advocate for stronger protections for workers facing hazardous heat exposure, ASSP welcomed this crucial chance to contribute to this important discussion.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 479 workers in the U.S. died from environmental heat exposure between 2011 and 2022, and over 33,000 others experienced serious heat-related illnesses. These numbers are widely believed to be underreported. Workers in outdoor environments, such as construction and agriculture, as well as indoor settings lacking adequate ventilation or climate control, are particularly at risk. The proposed standard would require employers to assess and control heat hazards, implement heat illness prevention plans and train workers and supervisors — all steps that align with ASSP’s longstanding guidance. 

During the hearing, three ASSP leaders shared their expertise: Professor Robert Drane, MS, CSP, Chair of ASSP’s Government Affairs Committee; John Johnson, CSP, Chair of the ANSI/ASSP A10 Committee for Construction and Demolition Operations; and David May, ScD, Vice-Chair of the A10.50 Subcommittee. Their remarks underscored the need for clear, science-based solutions and emphasized the Society’s vital role in shaping best practices. 

“ASSP members emphasize the importance of a standard that is clear and practical to implement, particularly for employers with limited resources,” Drane said, adding that ASSP’s role is to ensure that any rule is informed by real-world insights from practicing safety professionals. 

Johnson highlighted the relevance of ASSP’s ANSI/ASSP A10.50 standard and encouraged the agency to align with it: “As OSHA considers a federal rule, we urge the agency to look to A10.50 as a key reference point and to align its final rule with the protections our standard outlines.” 

Dr. May spoke to the technical foundation of the A10.50 standard, adding, “A10.50 offers practical, science-based guidance that we believe can complement OSHA’s rulemaking and provide a strong foundation for compliance and worker protection.” He also reinforced the Society’s commitment to collaborating with the agency, stating, “We stand ready to support the Agency as it advances a standard that prioritizes both worker safety and operational practicality.” 

ASSP’s testimony reflected our role as a trusted advisor, offering technical input and advancing workplace safety through credible, member-driven expertise. 

We’re grateful to our members who delivered testimony and to the OSHA team for the opportunity to engage in this critical policy process. We look forward to submitting additional written input in the post-comment period and continuing to advocate for a final rule that improves protections for all workers while supporting feasible, scalable implementation strategies for employers. 

Watch ASSP’s Testimony 
The full hearing is available online. ASSP’s testimony begins at 4:09:15 in this recording.