According to OSHA, millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in the workplace. Without effective mitigation strategies, working in hot conditions can rapidly result in serious outcomes such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. These conditions can impair cognitive and physical performance, leading to increased risk of accidents and injuries. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate protection can result in life-threatening situations.
Additionally, heat stress can decrease productivity and morale among workers, further impacting business operations. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to implement effective heat stress management strategies, including providing adequate hydration, rest breaks, access to shade or cooling areas, and training for employees to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illnesses.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) in 2022 focused on addressing heat stress in the workplace. This initiative aims to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries, which can be exacerbated by rising temperatures and climate change. It focuses on the importance of water, rest and shade. Lack of heat acclimatization, the gradual building of tolerance to hot environments, represents a major risk factor for fatal outcomes.
The NEP targets industries and workplaces where heat-related hazards are prevalent, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Key components of the NEP include:
- Increased Worksite Inspections: OSHA will conduct more inspections in high-risk industries during peak heat seasons to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Employer Guidance: The program provides guidance for employers on how to develop and implement effective heat illness prevention plans. This includes measures like providing adequate hydration, rest breaks, and access to shade.
- Training and Education: OSHA emphasizes the importance of training workers and supervisors to recognize the signs of heat stress and take appropriate action.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The NEP involves collecting data on heat-related incidents to better understand the risks and improve prevention strategies.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: OSHA will work with industry stakeholders, labor organizations, and other government agencies to promote awareness and improve heat stress management practices.
In 2024, OSHA announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register aimed at preventing heat injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work environments. This marks an advancement towards establishing a federal heat standard to safeguard workers.
For areas under OSHA regulation, employers will be required to develop a plan to assess and manage heat hazards in their workplaces, outline their responsibilities and the necessary steps to effectively guard employees from dangerous heat conditions. This would include all employers operating in outdoor and indoor settings across general industry, construction and agriculture.
The next step happens this month, (June 2025), when OSHA will hold the first informal public hearing on the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule.
The primary objective of all these steps is to avoid and decrease the incidence of work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths due to dangerous heat.
The focus on heat stress reflects OSHA’s commitment to enhancing worker safety and health by proactively addressing the risks associated with excessive heat. Employers are encouraged to review their current practices and make necessary adjustments to protect their workforce from heat-related hazards.
Resources
- OSHA. 2025. “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking” Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- OSHA. 2025. “Overview: Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments” Heat – Overview: Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Safety and Health. 2025. “National Emphasis Program on heat will continue, OSHA says”. National Emphasis Program on heat will continue, OSHA says | Safety+Health
- Ergodyne. 2022.“OSHA Heat Stress Standard: An Overview of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Heat-Related Illnesses” OSHA Heat Stress Standard: An Overview of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Heat-Related Illnesses | Ergodyne
- BluePrint.“How OSHA’s new program aims to protect workers from heat stress”. 2024. How OSHA’s New Program Aims to Protect Workers from Heat Stress – THE BLUE PRINT