1 Why Heat Safety Matters Now
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and workplace heat exposure results in thousands of injuries, and even fatalities, every year. OSHA has extended its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat hazards through 2026, ramping up inspections and enforcement, especially during heat waves.
While a specific federal heat standard is still pending, OSHA's General Duty Clause already requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including heat stress. Failure to act can result in citations and penalties.
2 Key Regulatory Requirements
Even without a specific heat standard, employers must comply with existing OSHA requirements. The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) mandates that employers provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards" that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Develop written heat illness prevention plans, modify work/rest schedules, provide shade and cooling areas, ensure adequate hydration, train workers on heat illness recognition, use heat monitoring tools, and maintain comprehensive documentation.
3 Priority Actions for Employers
Start with developing a written heat illness prevention plan that documents policies for heat safety, including hazard monitoring, emergency procedures, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This plan must be reviewed and updated after any heat-related incident.
Adjust work/rest schedules based on heat index and exertion levels. Rotate personnel and consider night or early morning shifts to avoid peak heat. Provide shaded or air-conditioned rest areas accessible to all workers. Supply cool drinking water (at least one quart per worker per hour) and encourage frequent hydration.
4 Training and Communication Requirements
All workers and supervisors must receive training to recognize and respond to heat illness symptoms. Training should include initial orientation and regular refresher sessions, with materials available in multiple languages to accommodate diverse workforces.
Maintain comprehensive records including written prevention programs, training logs and attendance records, hydration and exposure monitoring data, and detailed incident and response reports for OSHA compliance purposes.
5 Monitoring Tools and Technology
Use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool app for real-time heat index calculations and safety recommendations specific to your work site. Integrate NOAA Heat Watch alerts and the CDC's HeatRisk Dashboard into your daily safety planning and decision-making process.
Implement a buddy system and establish protocols for frequent supervisor check-ins during high heat conditions. Consider weighing workers before and after shifts to monitor hydration status and detect early signs of heat stress.
6 Looking Ahead: Pending OSHA Heat Standard
OSHA is finalizing a comprehensive heat injury and illness prevention standard that will likely require mandatory written prevention plans, acclimatization protocols for new and returning workers, enhanced monitoring and recordkeeping, and more frequent breaks at specific heat index thresholds (80°F and 90°F triggers).
Employers should act now to align with these emerging best practices, as federal enforcement is already using the General Duty Clause to cite heat hazards. Early adoption will ensure smoother compliance when the new standard takes effect.
Stay Proactive
Heat-related illness and death are preventable. Implement robust heat safety protocols today to protect your workforce and ensure compliance with evolving OSHA requirements. The investment in worker safety and regulatory compliance will pay dividends in reduced incidents, improved productivity, and avoided penalties.