As climate change continues to crank up the heat, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is turning up the pressure on employers to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. In 2025, OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard is making headlines—and for good reason. This is the first time the agency has proposed a nationwide rule specifically targeting heat hazards in both indoor and outdoor workplaces.
If you’re an employer, safety manager or just someone who works in the heat, here’s what you need to know about the latest developments and how they could impact your workplace.
Why OSHA Is Cracking Down on Heat Hazards
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and it’s a growing concern for workers in industries like construction, agriculture, warehousing and manufacturing. Between 2011 and 2022, 479 workers died from heat exposure, and thousands more suffered heat-related illnesses.
Despite these numbers, there’s never been a federal standard specifically addressing heat. That’s changing in 2025.
What’s in the Proposed OSHA Heat Rule?
OSHA’s proposed rule, officially titled “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings,” was published in the Federal Register in August 2024. It’s currently in the public hearing phase, with virtual hearings running from June 16 to July 2, 2025.
Here are the key takeaways from the proposal:
-
Initial Heat Trigger at 80°F: When the heat index hits 80°F for more than 15 minutes in an hour, employers must implement basic protections like access to water, shade and rest breaks.
-
High Heat Trigger at 90°F: At this threshold, employers must provide mandatory 15-minute breaks every two hours, implement buddy systems and monitor workers for signs of heat illness.
-
Written Heat Safety Plan: Employers must develop a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP) tailored to their specific work environment. This includes assigning a heat safety coordinator and outlining emergency procedures.
-
Training Requirements: Workers and supervisors must be trained on recognizing heat illness symptoms, emergency response and acclimatization protocols for new or returning employees.
-
Indoor Protections: The rule doesn’t just apply to outdoor work. Indoor environments like warehouses, kitchens and factories are also covered if temperatures regularly exceed 80°F.
What Employers Should Do Now
Even though the rule isn’t finalized yet, OSHA is encouraging employers to get ahead of the curve. Here’s how:
-
Review your current heat safety practices. Do you have a written plan? Are workers trained? Are rest breaks and hydration policies in place?
-
Monitor temperatures in both indoor and outdoor work areas. Use heat index charts or digital tools to track conditions in real time.
-
Start acclimatization protocols for new hires or workers returning from time off. Gradually increasing workloads over 7–14 days can significantly reduce the risk of heat illness.
-
Engage with the rulemaking process. If you didn’t submit a Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA) for the public hearing, you can still watch the livestream and stay informed.
Who’s Affected?
The proposed rule applies to all employers in general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture sectors—basically, anyone under OSHA’s jurisdiction. However, there are exemptions for workplaces that are consistently air-conditioned below 80°F or where heat exposure is not reasonably expected.
Legal and Political Landscape
The rule’s future isn’t set in stone. While the Biden administration prioritized climate resilience and worker protections, recent Supreme Court decisions and political shifts could influence how (or if) the rule is finalized.
Still, OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on heat hazards, launched in 2022, remains active. That means even without a finalized rule, employers can still be cited under the General Duty Clause if they fail to protect workers from known heat risks.
Whether you’re managing a construction crew in Texas or a bakery in Florida, heat safety is not optional—it’s a compliance and moral imperative. OSHA’s 2025 heat rule is a major step toward protecting millions of workers from preventable illnesses and fatalities.
So, don’t wait for the ink to dry. Start building your heat safety plan now, train your team and stay tuned as the rulemaking process unfolds. In the meantime, check out these articles to up your safety game: Extreme Heat Awareness Month: What Construction Crews Need to Know and Keeping Construction Workers Safe in Hot Weather: Essential Strategies and Best Practices. Be sure to also download the OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Checklist and additional resources.
Photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NONG2
