The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold a virtual public hearing from June 16 through July 2, 2025, on its proposed rule to protect workers from hazardous heat exposure in both outdoor and indoor work settings — a new federal standard that could have direct implications for Florida home health providers.

The proposed rule would apply to all work settings — including home- and community-based care environments — where OSHA has jurisdiction and where workers are exposed to hazardous heat. In Florida, where high temperatures and humidity are common nearly year-round, the potential impact on caregivers traveling between patient homes or working without adequate cooling measures is significant.

If finalized, the rule would require employers to establish a written heat illness prevention plan, assess heat risks, and implement controls to protect staff. This may result in new compliance responsibilities, policy updates, and operational changes for agencies.

Notably, the proposed rule does not exclude in-home care settings, and OSHA has highlighted concerns about workers in essential roles — including many caregivers — being disproportionately exposed to hazardous heat.

Hearing Access & Participation

The hearings will begin at 9:30 AM ET each day (except June 19) and typically conclude by 4:30 PM. Members of the public may view the hearing live via YouTube livestream links posted on OSHA’s website.

Only individuals who submitted a timely Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA) by the May 2 deadline will be permitted to testify or ask questions during the hearing.

To view the full hearing schedule, procedures, and livestream access, click here.

What Florida Providers Should Do

• Tune in to understand how the rule could affect your agency’s operations, staffing, and compliance obligations.
• Review the proposed rule (Federal Register – 2024-14824) to assess how broadly it may apply to home-based care.
• Prepare internally by discussing how your agency currently handles heat safety and what changes might be needed if the rule is finalized.
• Stay connected with HCAF for updates, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to provide feedback in future stages of the rulemaking process.

Florida’s home health workforce often delivers care under extreme weather conditions. It’s critical that any federal standard recognizes the unique nature of in-home care and doesn’t impose one-size-fits-all mandates that overlook the realities of our field.