OSHA Updates Heat Illness Compliance Program

4/27/2026

Even in the early days of spring, temperatures across the country are reaching all-time highs. Heat illness is a serious hazard for both indoor and outdoor workers, causing preventable injuries and fatalities each year. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again updated its National Emphasis Program that protects workers from heat-related hazards. The program aims to focus inspections and outreach in industries and workplaces where heat risk are most likely to happen. 

The program was first issued in April 2022 and uses OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries including, construction, architectural and engineering, waste management and more. The revised emphasis program removes outdated background information, updates links and eliminates the former numerical inspection goal and introduces two reorganized appendices, one for evaluating heat programs and another for citation guidance. The program now offers clearer guidance that improves tracking and more effectively implement enforcement and outreach efforts.  

Related Content: Water Breaks, Shade Areas Highlight OSHA Extreme Heat Rule

Basics of a heat illness prevention program include: 

• Creating access to shaded or cool areas 
• Setting up gradual exposure protocols for new employees 
• Scheduling rest breaks 
• Providing cool drinking water for employees 
• Educating workers on heat illness related symptoms and emergency response 

As heat advisories or warnings are issued, compliance officers will conduct random inspections focused on heat hazards in high-risk industries. In the meantime, compliance officers will offer assistance and expand any inspection where there is evidence of heat-related hazards on hot days. 

Mackenna Moralez is the managing editor for the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.