As temperatures rise across California, employers should revisit their obligations under Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standards. California continues to regulate both outdoor and indoor heat exposure, and those requirements remain important in 2026. By contrast, federal OSHA still has not issued a final nationwide heat-specific standard. OSHA’s proposed rule, Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in
Heat Illness Prevention
OSHA Reworks Heat NEP, Updates Target Industry List
By John Cohen & Kurtis R. Urien on
Posted in Heat Stress, OSHA Guidance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) addressing indoor and outdoor heat-related hazards, effective April 10, 2026. The updated directive is designed to focus inspections and outreach on industries and workplaces where heat-related risks are most likely to occur.
Primary Differences
Although the revised NEP formally cancels and…
Public Hearings on OSHA’s Proposed Heat Hazard Rule Begin
By Lisa B. Marsh, Sierra Vierra & Adrienne M. Wood on
Posted in Heat Stress, OSHA Rulemaking
Monday, June 16, 2025, marked the first day of informal public hearings on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed rule aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work environments. With rising temperatures posing increased risks to worker health and safety, this rule would establish the first national standard…
The Heat is On – Oregon OSHA Adopts Heat Illness Prevention Standard
By Sean Paisan & Victoria Ainsworth on
Posted in Heat Stress, Oregon OSHA
With summer arriving and temperatures starting to rise, Oregon employers should familiarize themselves with the new Oregon OSHA Heat Illness Prevention standard (OAR 437-002-0156) that comes into effect on June 15, 2022.
Covered Employers
The new standard applies to workplaces when an employee is performing work activities in any environment (both indoor or…