Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the NOIRA for the Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

As the COO and Co-Founder of ProTect Athletics, and a former Athletic Equipment Manager with decades of experience on the sidelines, I strongly support DOLI’s work on this standard. Our organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit built by professionals who have spent their careers protecting athletes at every level, from youth sports to the professional ranks.

When we talk about occupational heat hazards, it is critical that we do not overlook the athletic sector. Athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and support staff spend hours operating in high-heat environments, often wearing heavy protective equipment. They are workers who need to be protected from exertional heat illnesses just like anyone else.

As your team drafts this standard, I urge you to include:

1. Mandatory heat acclimatization protocols: Outdoor workers and athletic staff need time to safely adjust to high-temperature exertion.
2. Clear education and empowerment: Everyone on site needs to know how to spot the early warning signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, and feel empowered to trigger an emergency action plan immediately.
3. Sector-specific rules: Recognize the unique risks of athletic environments, such as the added danger of wearing protective gear in the heat.

At ProTect Athletics, our core belief is that safety has to come first. We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with DOLI and share our expertise in athletic safety, risk analysis, and operations management as you develop these regulations.

Thank you for everything you are doing to protect Virginians.