The year 2023 was the warmest year in history. Cities across the United States broke records for consecutive days of extreme heat. These conditions forced risk managers to reevaluate heat protection protocols for their workforce. Several state OSHAs, including California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and Colorado, have updated their heat-related prevention guidelines, and federal OSHA is working on new rules to address the challenges of extreme heat.
This article examines current safety regulations, the impact of climate change on workers, and steps risk managers and employers should take to implement effective heat safety standards.
Impact on employees
Weather fluctuations, particularly those caused by climate change, have a significant impact on worker safety and health. Employees, especially those who work outdoors, face increased risks because they cannot avoid hazards such as extreme heat. Unlike the general population, these workers do not have the option to stay indoors or go to cooling centers during heat waves. Climate-related changes are exacerbating existing health and safety risks.
Types of climate-related hazards
- Heat Stress – Workers who perform physically demanding work during extreme heat events are at risk of heat stress. This danger is exacerbated by a lack of control over workplace conditions.
- Extreme weather events – Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, droughts, storms and landslides increase the likelihood of injuries, illness and stress in the workplace. Workers involved in rescue, cleanup and recovery operations are exposed to increased hazardous conditions.
- Health Effects – Adverse effects include respiratory problems from air pollution, water-borne illnesses, and skin or lung irritation from mold or pesticides.
Impact on employers
- Productivity Challenges – Climate change reduces worker productivity. For example, heat stress causes outdoor workers to tire more quickly, requiring frequent breaks to cool down and rehydrate.
- Increased Medical Costs – Heat-related injuries and illnesses often require longer recovery times, increasing workers' compensation claims and medical costs.
- Impact on trade and industry – The ongoing drought in the Panama Canal region shows how climate change is disrupting global trade. A 30% drop in rainfall forced the Panama Canal Authority to limit ship size and reduce the number of transit vessels, causing shipping delays and higher transportation costs. While operating cost reductions and increased rainfall provided some relief in 2024, the long-term impact of such disruptions remains significant.
Risk management responses
Companies are adapting to climate change by integrating energy efficiency, environmentally friendly practices and green technologies. As new industries such as solar, wind and recycling emerge, employers must address the safety of workers in these sectors.
Recommended heat protection programs
- Access to cooling resources – Provide employees with regular access to cool water, shaded rest areas, and cooling stations.
- Protective Clothing – Ensure employees are protected with hats, sunscreen, UVA/UVB protective clothing, breathable clothing, etc.
- Acclimatization Protocols – Gradually acclimate new and returning employees to environments with high heat, lighter workloads, and more frequent breaks.
- Comprehensive Training – Educate employees about recognizing and reporting heat-related illnesses, and train supervisors to monitor weather conditions, enforce rest breaks, and remind employees to stay hydrated.
Federal OSHA requirements
All employers covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act must ensure that their employees are protected from heat-related hazards. This includes developing a heat illness and injury program tailored to specific workplace conditions, providing cooling resources, and conducting mandatory training.
Employers must regularly monitor workplace conditions and adjust their safety programs as necessary. OSHA has indicated that it will issue citations for noncompliance and assess whether employers have met their legal obligations on a case-by-case basis.
Heat standards in certain states
- California – Employers must provide water, shade and training when temperatures reach 80°F. At higher temperatures, certain protocols are triggered.
- Colorado – At 80°F, heat protection measures are required, including shaded rest areas and scheduled breaks. At 95°F, additional precautions are required.
- Oregon and Washington – Regulations require employers to provide cold drinking water, shaded rest areas and written rest periods in hot weather. Acclimation plans and training to prevent heat illness are also required.
These state-specific standards highlight the importance of proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses across all industries.
Here's how to do it
As global temperatures continue to rise, risks to worker health and safety are increasing. Employers must comply with state and federal OSHA requirements to implement effective heat protection protocols. Free resources, including training materials and guidance, are available on the CDC and OSHA websites to help employers meet these obligations. Protecting workers from heat-related hazards is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral imperative.