Labor: health and safety; occupational health standards related to exposure to work in hot environments; require director to promulgate. Amends 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1001 - 408.1094) by adding sec. 14s.
Key claim: This bill would require Michigan’s occupational safety director to write and adopt workplace health rules protecting employees who work in hot environments.
Abstract
(HB6442 · 103rd Legislature) Labor: health and safety; occupational health standards related to exposure to work in hot environments; require director to promulgate. Amends 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1001 - 408.1094) by adding sec. 14s. Sponsor: Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D) In committee: H Government Operations Latest action (2026-11-05): Bill Electronically Reproduced 10/28/2026
Why this matters
Michigan has no state-specific heat-exposure workplace standard; outdoor and indoor workers in hot environments currently rely on MIOSHA’s general duty clause. Requiring the director to promulgate heat rules would create enforceable employer obligations (likely covering water, rest, shade, acclimatization, or monitoring) for sectors like agriculture, construction, warehousing, and foundries. The bill is still at the introduction/committee stage, so no rules exist yet.