OSHA Heat Regulations in 2025

Every year, heat-related illnesses claim the lives of dozens of U.S. workers, with over 479 fatalities reported between 2011 and 2021. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced its first-ever national heat stress rule to protect employees from extreme temperatures. 

These groundbreaking regulations could soon mandate stricter safety measures for both indoor and outdoor workplaces, reshaping industry standards. Regardless of your field, these changes could have a significant impact on your workplace safety protocols. So, let’s learn about these OSHA heat regulations with this blog. 

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Why Did OSHA Introduce a Heat Safety Rule?

Heat-related illnesses are a growing workplace hazard, with extreme temperatures posing serious risks to workers across industries. Recognizing the increasing number of heat-related injuries and fatalities, OSHA has proposed its first-ever national heat stress rule. 

The agency has long relied on its General Duty Clause to enforce heat safety, but with climate change intensifying extreme heat events, OSHA believes stronger, more specific regulations are necessary to protect workers.

The new rule builds on existing state-level heat safety standards, such as those in California, to create a uniform and enforceable framework for employers nationwide.

Read More: How OSHA Enforces Its Standards: An Overview of the Process

Who Will the Rule Apply To?

These OSHA heat regulations will apply to all employers conducting indoor or outdoor work in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors, covering a broad range of workplaces under OSHA's jurisdiction.

Who’s Exempt from the OSHA Heat Regulations?

Not all workers will be subject to these new OSHA heat regulations. The proposed rule does not apply to:

• Employees exposed to heat for only short durations

• Sedentary workers or those in controlled indoor environments below 80°F

• Remote workers

• Emergency responders, who are exempt from these regulations

• Public sector employees, as OSHA does not regulate government employers

Key Requirements of OSHA Heat Regulations

To protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat, a course related to OSHA’s proposed rule establishes clear employer responsibilities. These measures focus on hazard identification, prevention, training, emergency response, and compliance. This ensures a safer work environment for employees exposed to high temperatures.

Read More: Who is an OSHA Inspector? Understanding Their Role in Workplace Safety

Heat Hazard Identification and Assessment

Employers must proactively assess and monitor heat risks to ensure worker safety. This includes conducting regular heat risk assessments to identify high-risk job roles and environments, as well as continuously monitoring temperature and humidity levels to ensure a safe working environment. These measures become especially useful during heat waves when the risk of heat-related illnesses significantly increases.

Preventive Measures

To minimize the dangers of extreme heat, employers must implement effective preventive strategies. This includes ensuring workers have access to clean drinking water at all times, scheduling mandatory rest breaks in shaded or cool areas, and providing designated cooling spaces to help employees recover from heat exposure, especially in rising temperatures.

Training and Acclimatization Programs

Proper education and gradual adjustments to heat exposure are important for worker safety. Employers must provide heat safety training to employees and supervisors, covering symptoms of heat illness, prevention strategies, and first aid response. This training must be refreshed annually and whenever workplace conditions change. Employers must also implement acclimatization programs to gradually increase exposure for new and returning workers, helping them adapt safely to extreme temperatures.

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Emergency Planning and Response

Being prepared for heat-related emergencies is very important for minimizing risks. Employers with more than 10 employees must develop a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP) outlining site-specific heat risk evaluations and control measures. Smaller employers can communicate this plan verbally. Supervisors and employees must be trained in emergency response procedures, including recognizing heat illnesses, administering first aid, and contacting emergency services when needed.

Recordkeeping and Compliance

To ensure compliance with OSHA’s new rule, employers must maintain accurate records. Indoor temperature and humidity data should be recorded for at least six months. Employers must also document all heat-related illnesses and near misses to evaluate and refine their heat safety protocols. Regular compliance audits are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace heat prevention strategies and ensure ongoing compliance with regulations.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Industries

Industries such as agriculture and construction face increased risks due to prolonged exposure to heat. These sectors may require additional safeguards, such as more frequent rest breaks, specialized training for seasonal and immigrant workers, and enhanced monitoring of workplace conditions. Implementing these extra measures helps employers better protect vulnerable workers and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Read More: What is OSHA Training? All You Need to Know

10 Steps Employers Should Take to Protect Workers This Summer

While the proposed OSHA heat regulations are still under review, employers can take proactive measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and potential legal scrutiny.

1. Develop a Heat Safety Plan

The first step to preventing heat-related illnesses is planning ahead. Employers should draft a comprehensive heat illness prevention program that identifies workplace heat hazards. This includes conducting a thorough risk assessment of job duties, both indoors and outdoors, that expose workers to extreme heat. If your business operates in a state with an OSHA-approved plan, ensure that your policies align with the state's specific requirements.

2. Provide Comprehensive Training

Providing comprehensive training on heat-related safety can significantly reduce the risk of heat illness. Studies show that employers who provide heat illness prevention training to their workers can reduce the incidence of heat-related injuries by up to 50%. Education is a powerful tool in preventing heat stress. All employees, from frontline workers to managers, should receive training on recognizing the symptoms of heat illness, prevention strategies, and emergency response. Supervisors must take the lead in ensuring compliance with OSHA heat regulations and monitoring workers for early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Read More: What Will I Learn in the OSHA 10-Hour Training

3. Conduct Medical Screenings

Not all workers are equally equipped to handle extreme heat. Employers should provide medical screenings for workers expected to operate in high-heat environments. This helps identify underlying health conditions that could make them more vulnerable to heat stress, allowing for necessary accommodations or job adjustments.

4. Designate a Heat Safety Monitor

On very hot days, it’s important to have one person in charge of watching the weather and checking on everyone’s well-being. This person, called the Heat Safety Monitor, should make sure workers are drinking enough water, taking regular breaks, and not showing signs of heat stress. Implementing a buddy system can also enhance safety, requiring workers to look out for each other and report any heat stress symptoms immediately.

5. Enforce Rest Breaks

During hot weather, regular rest breaks are important to prevent heat-related illnesses. While OSHA heat regulations do not specify exact break intervals in federally regulated states, a good practice is allowing at least 10-15 minutes of rest when the temperature exceeds 87.8°F. Aim to schedule these breaks every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the temperature. Always make sure drinking water is available nearby, and encourage workers to stay hydrated. On extremely hot days, be prepared to adjust the frequency and length of breaks according to the heat levels.

6. Ensure Easy Access to Water

Hydration plays a key role in heat stress prevention. Employers should provide unlimited access to cool, clean drinking water at job sites. Workers should be encouraged to drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes, but not exceed one quart per hour or 12 quarts over a 24-hour period.

7. Provide Shade and Cooling Options

Workers exposed to direct sunlight should have access to shaded areas or cooling stations equipped with fans. Providing lightweight, breathable clothing and hats can also help minimize heat absorption and reduce the risk of heat stress.

8. Adjust Work Schedules for Heat

Flexibility in scheduling can make a significant difference in worker safety. Employers should consider starting shifts earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat hours. Rotating crews can also minimize the duration of heat exposure, allowing workers to recover and stay safe.

9. Implement an Acclimatization Program

Workers new to high-heat conditions or returning after a time away must gradually build up their heat tolerance. Acclimatization plans should be in place for new hires and seasonal workers, increasing their workload and exposure gradually over one to two weeks. OSHA heat regulations provide detailed guidelines on adjusting work periods, rest breaks, and job tasks to help workers safely acclimate to extreme temperatures.

10. Be Prepared for Heat Emergencies

Despite all precautions, heat-related incidents can still occur. Employers must ensure that workers have immediate access to first aid and emergency medical assistance if they develop symptoms. Training workers to recognize and respond to heat stroke or exhaustion quickly can be life-saving.

Implementing these ten steps helps employers create a safer workplace, protect workers from heat-related illnesses, and stay ahead of evolving OSHA heat regulations. Prioritizing heat safety ensures compliance and boosts productivity and worker well-being, making it a win-win for everyone.

Follow Simple Steps to Beat the Heat at Work!

Protecting workers from extreme heat isn’t just about following rules. It’s also about looking out for your team. Regular shaded breaks every 30–60 minutes, access to clean drinking water, heat safety training, and assigning a heat monitor can go a long way in preventing heat-related illness. A few consistent steps can lead to a healthier, more focused, and productive workforce.

To stay aligned with OSHA heat regulations and keep your team safe, make training a priority. Enroll your workers in an online Heat Stress Awareness course for practical guidance on recognizing, preventing, and responding to heat hazards. When workers feel cared for, they perform better. Beat the heat, protect your people, and keep your workplace thriving all summer and beyond!

References

https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/OSHA-releases-first-ever-national-heat-safety-rule.html

https://www.OSHA.gov/heat-exposure

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/heatillnessinfo.html

https://www.alertmedia.com/blog/OSHA-heat-regulations/