Oregon OSHA New Workplace Safety Rules & Increased Civil Penalties

On January 1st, 2024, new workplace safety rules and increased civil penalties were permanently enacted by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA). These changes include oncreased civil penalties for violations of workplace safety and health rules, as well as the addition of a new type of violation: “Caused or contributed to a work-related fatality”. In 2022, the Oregon OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard (OAR 437-002-0156) began requiring employers to implement measures to prevent heat-related illnesses when the heat index equals or exceeds 80°F in all places of employment. Oregon OSHA has determined that a workplace hazard exists whenever the heat index reaches 80°F (the “caution” level based on NOAA/NWS) and that a more serious hazard exists whenever the heat index exceeds 90°F (the “extreme caution” level based on NOAA/NWS).

These workplace rules require Oregon employers across all industries to to protect their workers from hazards of extreme heat. For example, employers with worksites above 80°F must provide shaded, ventilated or open areas where workers can rest. They also must train employees on compliance requirements, heat-related dangers and best practices to avoid them. Since June 15, 2024, Oregon OSHA has issued more than 170 citations to employers violating worker protections for high heat. This has amounted to more than $100,000 in penalties.

Effective environment monitoring is now more important than ever for helping Oregon businesses mitigate the risks associated with occupational heat.

Room Alert: Environment Monitoring For Supporting Oregon OSHA

The Room Alert ecosystem provides real-time data on temperature, humidity, heat index and other environmental conditions, enabling employers to take proactive measures. With prompt and accurate alert notifications, management can be made aware as soon as conditions exceed safe thresholds. This allows for timely interventions and corrective action such as providing breaks, hydration or adjusting work hours to avoid peak heat times.

Key Features:

• Real-time Monitoring and Alerts: Receive instant notifications via push notifications, SMS, and email when temperatures approach dangerous levels.
• Built-in Guidance Features & Threshold Settings: Easily manage built-in guidance features, based off of Oregon/OSHA, and thresholds for heat index levels: Caution (80°F), Extreme Caution (91°F), Danger (103°F), and Extreme Danger (125°F).
• Data Trends and Compliance Insights: Access detailed data trends and compliance insights through the Room Alert Account portal, helping you stay ahead of potential hazards and regulatory requirements.

Room Alert’s comprehensive monitoring system ensures Oregon businesses maintain safe temperatures, comply with regulations and protect employees from heat-related illnesses. Meet Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division heat safety mandates and protect your most critical assets with Room Alert.

If you are still unsure of where to start, our team is happy to work with you to understand exactly what your business needs to meet Oregon/OSHA requirements and keep your workplace safe. Email us today at Sales@RoomAlert.com!