The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is working on a new heat standard to target indoor workers without climate-controlled environments, including the linen, uniform and facility services industry.

Two years ago, the public-interest group Public Citizen and Democratic legislators asked OSHA to promulgate such a rule. Previously, the agency has pursued charges against employers for heat-related injuries and illnesses among workers primarily in outdoor environments. Even then, it has done so under the General Duty clause, rather than any heat-related standard. That’s now about to change.

Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick ...