04/14/2026
OSHA renewed the Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards National Emphasis Program (NEP). OSHA updated its 2022 NEP to protect workers from outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards, directing agency resources to focus on inspections and outreach in industries and workplaces where heat-stress risks are most likely to occur.
The updated NEP uses OSHA and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from calendar years 2022-2025 to set inspection priorities for 55 high-risk industries across indoor and outdoor work settings. Criteria for industry targeting included the following:
📌 High numbers or high incidence rates of heat-related illnesses from BLS data for calendar years 2021 to 2024;
📌 Elevated number of days away, restricted, or transferred in calendar years 2021 to 2024;
📌 High numbers of severe cases of heat-related illnesses, as indicated by death or hospitalization, from OSHA severe injury reports made by employers for calendar years 2021 to 2024; or
📌 OSHA heat-related inspections of establishments with issued heat-related General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) violations and hazard alert letters (HALs) in calendar years 2022 to 2025.
Targeted construction industries include residential and nonresidential building construction; highway, street, and bridge construction; utility systems construction; foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors; building equipment and building finishing contractors; and other special trade contractors. Targeted nonconstruction industries include those across the agricultural, manufacturing, retail trade, transportation, warehousing, and storage sectors.
Compliance officers will continue to conduct inspections when there is evidence of heat-related hazards on heat priority days. Agency compliance officers will also conduct random inspections focused on heat hazards in high-risk industries on days when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a heat advisory or warning.
Heat illness remains a serious hazard for indoor and outdoor workers, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities each year. Ensuring that employers take the necessary steps to safeguard workers is essential. The updated program allows OSHA to focus on outreach, compliance assistance, and enforcement in high-risk industries, while promoting effective prevention practices.
There is no current federal heat illness prevention standard. OSHA issued a proposal for a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings standard. California, Colorado, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington have state heat illness prevention standards. Minnesota has a standard for both hot and cold working environments. New Mexico issued a proposal last year for a heat stress prevention standard. All state rules have similar requirements for water, rest, and shade, as well as for worker acclimatization and training.
Ref: https://ehsleaders.org/2026/04/osha-renews-heat-hazard-emphasis-program/?
OSHA renewed its Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards National Emphasis Program to protect workers from outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards.
