Heat Safety Resource Center

 

AGC supports protecting workers from heat hazards, but opposes overly complex, one-size-fits-all federal regulations. Instead, AGC advocates for a simple, flexible, training-focused approach tailored to the realities of construction.

Overview

Construction workers are often exposed to high temperatures, direct sunlight, and physically demanding tasks that can increase the risk of heat-related illness. As extreme heat events become more frequent and intense, protecting workers on jobsites has become an increasingly urgent safety and health priority across the industry.

Stay informed on one of the most significant regulatory developments impacting the construction industry. This page serves as AGC of America’s central hub for news, updates, resources, and analysis related to OSHA’s federal heat standard rulemaking process, in addition to heat safety resources.

AGC Heat Safety Videos

AGC has partnered with members and chapters to raise awareness about the hazards associated with working in hot temperatures.  Below are two member videos highlighting their efforts to protect workers from high temperatures.

AGC of America/AGC New Mexico

 

AGC of Texas

Heat Safety Resources

Several federal agencies and research institutions have developed resources to assist employers and employees with understanding the hazards related to heat.  The resources contain information that may be useful in the development or revision of a heat safety plan, including materials designed to educate workers to better protect themselves.  This information can be accessed using the following links:

*A resource’s inclusion in this list does not imply an AGC endorsement.

OSHA Approved State Plans with Heat Standards

Under the OSH Act, states are permitted to establish their own workplace safety programs.  States that have been approved by Federal OSHA to establish such programs must adopt the rules promulgated by Federal OSHA or enact rules that are just as protective.  In the absence of a Federal OSHA rule, states are permitted to promulgate their own.  Currently, there 29 states (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) that operate their own plans.  Below is a list of states that have established their own heat safety rules, or are in the process of doing so:

*Arizona’s heat task force has submitted recommendation for a heat standard for consideration.

OSHA Enforcement Policy

In the absence of a federal heat safety rule, OSHA enforced heat hazards in the workplace under the General Duty Clause.  On April 8, 2022, the agency issued its first ever National Emphasis Program (NEP) for indoor and outdoor work settings.  The 2022 policy was due to expire on April 8, 2025; however, it was extended for another year. Most recently, on April 10, 2026, OSHA issued its revised national emphasis program (NEP) for outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards in the workplace. The NEP provides guidance to OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers when enforcing heat related hazards during the inspection process. 

OSHA Rulemaking Efforts on Heat

On October 27, 2021, OSHA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) soliciting stakeholder feedback on how or if the agency should engage in rulemaking to address heat hazards in the workplace.  After reviewing the docket, the agency determined there was enough evidence to initiate the formal rulemaking process. In August 2024, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The proposed standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. The proposed standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. The following are useful links to information related to OSHA’s rulemaking efforts:

AGC of America’s Engagement in the Rulemaking Process

Throughout the rulemaking process, AGC of America consulted with chapters and members to identify concerns with the provisions in OSHA's proposed heat standard. AGC's goal was to develop a strong, comprehensive argument for a more practical final rule that takes into account the dynamic nature of the construction industry versus a “one-size-fits-all” approach that would make compliance more challenging.  Engagement spanned the entire process from the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in 2021 to the informal public hearings in 2025. Now, OSHA will decide if the record supports issuing a final rule, and, if so, how prescriptive the rule will be.  AGC, along with our partners in the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), has consistently advocated for a more flexible, performance-based rule. The following are links to the coalition and/or AGC responses during each step of the rulemaking process:

AGC of America News Articles