Heat exposure is becoming a larger workplace safety issue across the country, and dry cleaners should be paying attention.
OSHA has been working on a proposed rule called Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The rule is not final yet, but it is important because it includes both outdoor and indoor workplaces.
That matters for dry cleaners.
Even though dry cleaning is not usually viewed as an outdoor heat-risk industry, many plants experience significant indoor heat exposure. Boilers, presses, finishing equipment, spotting areas, poor ventilation, summer temperatures, and production pace can all contribute to heat stress inside the workplace.
During summer production periods, some plants can experience sustained high temperatures around presses, boilers, and finishing areas for hours at a time.
According to OSHA, the public hearing on the proposed heat rule was held from June 16 through July 2, 2025. The post-hearing comment period ended on October 30, 2025. As of now, OSHA continues to describe the rule as being in the rulemaking process.
What This Means for Dry Cleaners
This is not a new final rule that requires immediate compliance today. However, it is a strong reminder that heat exposure should already be part of workplace safety planning.
Dry cleaners should review:
- Where heat builds up inside the plant
- Whether employees have access to water
- Whether employees can take breaks when needed
- Whether ventilation systems are functioning properly
- Whether new employees are trained to recognize heat stress symptoms
- Whether managers know how to respond if someone becomes dizzy, weak, confused, or overheated
Heat safety is not just a summer issue. It is an operational issue.
A plant that is too hot can affect employee health, production speed, finishing quality, concentration, and decision-making. When employees become fatigued or overheated, mistakes increase and production consistency can suffer.
Practical Next Steps
The practical step for members is simple:
Walk through the plant this week and identify the hottest operational areas. Then identify one improvement that can reduce heat stress before summer production pressure increases further.
Small operational improvements now can help reduce risk later.
Source: OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rulemaking
