{"id":4726,"date":"2016-04-04T11:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/heat-stress-osha-regulations.html"},"modified":"2026-08-26T15:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T20:01:01","slug":"heat-stress-osha-regulations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/heat-stress-osha-regulations.html","title":{"rendered":"Employer’s Guide to OSHA’s Heat Safety Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Employer's Guide to OSHA's Heat Safety Rules<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

An employer’s responsibility for heat safety falls under OSHA<\/span>‘s General Duty Clause<\/span>, which legally requires them to protect workers from the recognized hazard of extreme heat<\/span>. This duty includes providing essentials like water, rest breaks<\/span>, and shade<\/span>, along with a plan to prevent heat-related illnesses<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This guide explains your legal duties to protect your workers, how to recognize heat-related emergencies, and the steps to create an effective prevention plan for your workplace. Although no federal rule specifically addresses\u00a0heat-related hazards<\/span>, several states have strict rules, and federal standards are evolving. It\u2019s a good idea to speak with a <\/b>local employment attorney<\/a>\u00a0to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n

What Are an Employer’s Responsibilities Under the General Duty Clause<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The Occupational Safety and Health Act<\/span>‘s General Duty Clause<\/span><\/a> requires every employer to provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/span> (OSHA<\/span>) uses this clause to enforce workplace heat safety.<\/p>\n

While OSHA<\/span> has no single federal regulation for environmental <\/span>heat<\/span> exposure<\/span><\/a>, it can cite employers who fail to provide basic protections. OSHA<\/span> enforces this rule, often relying on scientific guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH<\/span>)<\/a> and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).<\/p>\n

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses<\/span><\/h2>\n

Heat stress<\/span> is a workplace hazard that occurs when extreme heat<\/span> raises a worker’s core body temperature to dangerous levels. When a person’s core temperature rises, their body tries to shut down to cool itself. This is when heat illnesses begin. Recognizing the early signs can help prevent serious injury or death.<\/p>\n

Any outdoor workers<\/span> in hot environments are in danger of heat stress<\/span>, but those most at risk include:<\/p>\n