Heat stress rules by country

Rule: MoHRE Midday Break (Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy). Legal basis cited by MoHRE/WAM: Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 on Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation.

• No work under direct sunlight or in open-air areas from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm every day, 15 June to 15 September.
• Applies across all emirates to private-sector employers with outdoor workers.
• Employers must provide shaded rest areas (parasols or shade) during the break and for exempt work, cooling such as fans, enough drinking water, rehydration salts or approved hydrating foods, and first aid on site.
• 2026 was the 22nd consecutive year of the break.
• Violations can be reported to MoHRE on 600590000, via the MoHRE website or the MoHRE app.

Trigger: Time-based only. No temperature, heat index or WBGT trigger in the federal rule.

When: 15 June to 15 September each year, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Penalties: AED 5,000 per worker found working during the ban, up to AED 50,000 where several workers are involved (MoHRE 2024 release).

Exemptions: Work that technically cannot be stopped, such as asphalt laying or concrete pouring where postponement is not feasible; work to prevent hazards or repair faults affecting the public (water, electricity, traffic, other essential services); work needing a government permit because of its impact on traffic or public services. Exempt work still needs shade, cooling, water, hydration supplies and first aid.

Last confirmed: 2026 season (15 Jun to 15 Sep 2026, 12:30 to 15:00, 22nd year) confirmed by the WAM wire report carried by Sharjah 24 on 8 Jun 2026. Same window, fines and exemptions confirmed on MoHRE's own 2024 release (31 May 2024).

• MoHRE: MoHRE implements Midday Break from 15 June to 15 September 2024official
• Sharjah 24 (WAM wire): MoHRE reintroduces midday work ban for summer, 8 Jun 2026
• WAM: UAE implements 20th consecutive year of Midday Break regulation (2024)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: MoHRE's own 2026 release page was not retrieved; 2026 dates rest on the WAM wire copy. The link to Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 comes from WAM and MoHRE releases (2023, 2024) as indexed by search; the WAM article bodies did not load and the resolution text itself was not read. Secondary sources also cite Ministerial Decree No. 401 of 2015 for the fines and say daily hours must not exceed 8 during the ban with extra hours paid as overtime; not confirmed officially.

Rule: Dubai Municipality, Health and Safety Department: Technical Guidelines for Management of Heat Stress at Work, DM-HSD-GU38-MHSW2. Version 2.0 issued 8 Oct 2019 (read); Version 3 dated 2024 is the current file on dm.gov.ae.

• Employers whose work can cause heat illness, indoors or outdoors, shall carry out a heat stress hazard identification and risk assessment before work starts (environment, job and personal factors, PPE).
• Risk is graded by heat index: up to 34 C low (caution); 35 to 39 C moderate; 40 to 45 C high; 46 C and above very high. Controls step up with each band.
• Employers shall have instruments (or calibrated equipment) to measure temperature and humidity.
• Acclimatization plan for new workers, workers back from long absence or illness, and workers coming from cold environments. Minimum about 7 to 8 days; full acclimatization can take 14 days or more.
• Work/rest scheduling: shorten work and lengthen rest as temperature or humidity rises, with no air movement, with PPE, heavier work, or direct sun.
• Shade: rest areas should be 10 to 15 C cooler than the work area. Cool drinking water and salt replacement close to the work location.
• Training and awareness, emergency preparedness and monitoring of controls are required sections.
• All employers must also follow the MoHRE midday break; waivers are controlled only by MoHRE.

Trigger: Heat index bands (C): up to 34 low, 35 to 39 moderate, 40 to 45 high, 46 and above very high.

When: Year-round guideline; works alongside the federal 15 Jun to 15 Sep midday break.

Penalties: None stated in the guideline.

Exemptions: None stated.

Last confirmed: Text read from Version 2.0 (issue date 8 Oct 2019, supersedes April 2010). Version 3 (2024) file exists on dm.gov.ae but could not be downloaded.

• Dubai Municipality: DM-HSD-GU38-MHSW2 Technical Guidelines for Management of Heat Stress at Work V3 (2024)official
• GHHIN mirror of the DM guideline (Version 2.0 text, read)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The 2024 Version 3 PDF did not download (redirected), so the figures above come from Version 2.0. A search summary says V3 mainly updated logos; not verified. The guideline's exact work/rest table and water quantities (pages 8 to 13) were not extracted.

Rule: Abu Dhabi: OSHAD Code of Practice 11.0, Safety in the Heat (first issued April 2013 as EHS RI-CoP 11.0 under the Abu Dhabi EHSMS). Sharjah: OSHJ-CoP-33 Safety in Heat, Version 2, July 2024 (Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority).

• Abu Dhabi code requires employers with staff in hot environments to run a site-specific heat stress management programme, using the Thermal Work Limit (TWL) to set work/rest and water intake (as quoted in secondary reports).
• Abu Dhabi has run a 'Safety in the Heat' awareness programme since 2012, from April to mid-October each year (DoH Abu Dhabi page, 2013).
• Sharjah's code covers hydration, modified work schedules, symptom monitoring, training and emergency response (contents listing only).

Trigger: Abu Dhabi: TWL-based (W/m2). Exact zone values in the current code not confirmed.

When: Year-round codes; the federal midday break also applies.

Penalties: Not confirmed.

Exemptions: Not confirmed.

Last confirmed: Not confirmed for 2026. Abu Dhabi programme dates from a DoH page dated 13 Jan 2013.

• DoH Abu Dhabi: Over 500 thousand workers benefit from Safety in the Heat program (2013)official
• Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority: Safety in Heat OSHJ-CoP-33official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The current OSHAD CoP 11.0 text could not be found on an ADPHC/OSHAD site; its version number, TWL zone limits and requirements come from secondary sources (trade press 2013). TWL zones often quoted (unrestricted 220+ W/m2, acclimatization 140 to 219, buffer 116 to 139, withdrawal 115 or less) come from a mining-industry presentation, not from the Abu Dhabi code. The Sharjah PDF was identified by its official URL but not read.

Rule: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) decision banning work under direct sunlight, announced jointly with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH).

• No work exposed to direct sunlight from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, 15 June to 15 September, in all private-sector establishments.
• Employers must reorganise working hours to fit the ban.
• Employers must provide drinking water, suitable rest areas, shade and personal protective equipment, raise awareness of heat stress, and monitor workers' condition in high temperatures.
• OSH officers and specialists should monitor compliance and apply workplace inspection procedures before field work.
• Violations can be reported on the unified number 19911 or the HRSD app.
• 2026 results reported at the end of the season: 29,945 inspection visits, 95% compliance, 1,771 violations (Arab News, 15 Sep 2026). 2025 compliance was 94% (HRSD).

Trigger: Time-based only. No temperature or WBGT trigger in the ban.

When: 15 June to 15 September, 12:00 to 15:00.

Penalties: Not stated in the 2026 HRSD release.

Exemptions: Not stated in the 2026 HRSD release.

Last confirmed: 2026 season (Mon 15 Jun to Tue 15 Sep 2026) confirmed by HRSD news release of 23 Jun 2026 (8 Muharram 1448).

• HRSD: Implementation of the decision banning work under the sun from 15 June (2026)official
• Arab News: Saudi Arabia ends 2026 midday work ban (15 Sep 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Legal instrument number not on the HRSD page. Arab News (2016) cites Ministerial Decision No. 3337 dated 15/7/1435 AH; another source cites a 2010 decree No. 1559. Penalties: older reports say SAR 3,000 to 10,000 per violation under Labor Law Article 236 plus possible closure; not confirmed against the current HRSD violations schedule. Exemptions for oil and gas and emergency maintenance work come from older press reports only.

Rule: HRSD Procedural Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health for Preventing the Effects of Exposure to Direct Sun and Heat Stress 2021, Ministerial Resolution No. 196086 (29 Shawwal 1442 AH, 10 June 2021). NCOSH also publishes a guide, Preventing Effects of Working in High Temperature.

• Procedural guide to prevent harm from working in hot environments and direct sun, based on international references and standards.
• Covers engineering and administrative controls and worker awareness (per guide summaries).

Trigger: Not confirmed (the operative PDF was not read).

When: Year-round guidance.

Penalties: Not stated on the summary page.

Exemptions: Not stated on the summary page.

Last confirmed: Resolution number and date confirmed on the HRSD knowledge-centre page (read 13 Oct 2026).

• HRSD Knowledge Centre: Procedural Guidelines ... Direct Sun and Heat Stress 2021official
• PreventionWeb listing: Saudi Arabia, Preventing effects of working in high temperature (NCOSH)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The guideline PDF itself and the NCOSH guide were not read, so no thresholds, work/rest or water figures are given. NCOSH guide year (2024) comes from a secondary listing.

Rule: Decision of the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs No. 17 of 2021 specifying measures to protect workers from heat stress. Issued 12 Shawwal 1442 AH (24 May 2021); announced 26 May 2021. Repealed Decision No. 16 of 2007.

• No work in the sun, in outdoor workplaces, or in places that are not shaded and ventilated, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, 1 June to 15 September each year (Art. 2).
• WBGT stop rule, all year and at any hour: employers must monitor and record weather conditions and stop work in workplaces where the WBGT index rises beyond 32.1 C (Art. 4(9)). WBGT may be the value announced by the Ministry or measured on site with approved devices.
• Post a daily working-hours schedule where workers and inspectors can see it (Art. 3).
• Written heat stress risk assessment made with the workers, updated regularly, kept on site for inspectors (Art. 4(1)).
• Heat stress training for all workers by the start of May each year (Art. 4(2)).
• Free, suitably cool drinking water throughout working time; accessible shaded rest areas; light, loose, light-coloured clothing as PPE (Art. 4(3) to 4(5)).
• Free annual health check-ups for chronic conditions that raise heat risk, with records kept (Art. 4(6)). Train paramedics and OSH supervisors in first aid (Art. 4(7)).
• Main contractor must follow up compliance by all employers on a shared site (Art. 5).
• Workers may stop work and complain to the Ministry if they reasonably believe heat stress threatens their safety; no dismissal or discrimination for doing so (Art. 6).

Trigger: WBGT above 32.1 C: stop work (any time of year). Fixed ban 10:00 to 15:30, 1 Jun to 15 Sep.

When: 1 June to 15 September, 10:00 to 15:30.

Penalties: Art. 7: a workplace may be shut down in part or in whole by decision of the Minister. 2026 enforcement: 388 work sites closed for three days each between 1 Jun and 15 Sep 2026 (Ministry figures reported by Qatar Tribune, 25 Sep 2026).

Exemptions: Art. 8: activities of companies working on oil and gas projects.

Last confirmed: 2026 season (1 Jun to 15 Sep 2026, 10:00 to 15:30) confirmed by Qatar News Agency report of the Ministry of Labour campaign, 1 Jun 2026. The 32.1 C WBGT figure confirmed against the decision text (ILO-hosted unofficial English translation, Art. 4(9)).

• Decision No. 17 of 2021 (unofficial English translation, hosted by Gulf Labour Markets and Migration programme, prepared by ILO)
• ILO: New legislation in Qatar provides greater protection to workers from heat stress (27 May 2021)official
• Qatar News Agency: Ministry of Labour launches awareness campaign on heat stress (1 Jun 2026)official
• Qatar Tribune: MoL closes 388 work sites for flouting summer work ban (25 Sep 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The Arabic Official Gazette text (Al Meezan) was not retrieved; figures come from the ILO-prepared unofficial translation, which prints the Gregorian issue date as 24/05/2020 (an evident typo for 2021, since 12 Shawwal 1442 AH falls in May 2021 and the ILO dates the announcement 26 May 2021). The 32.1 C wording matches both the translation and the ILO news release.

Rule: Ministry of Labour midday work ban. Press reports cite Article 16 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations issued by Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008.

• No outdoor work at construction sites and other open-air workplaces exposed to high temperatures from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during June, July and August.
• Employers are urged to provide shaded rest areas, cold water, cooling devices and first aid during the break.
• The Ministry said on 4 May 2026 that the ban runs every year from the beginning of June to the end of August and corrected posts claiming it had already started.
• Violations can be reported on 80077000.

Trigger: Time-based only.

When: 1 June to 31 August, 12:30 to 15:30.

Penalties: Unconfirmed. Oman Observer (31 May 2026) cites fines of RO 500 to RO 1,000 and licence annulment for repeat violations; other reports cite Article 118 (bis) of the Labour Law with fines of RO 100 to 500 and/or up to one month in jail.

Exemptions: Unconfirmed. Press reports: essential services (airports, ports, emergency utilities) with prior approval and safety measures; asphalt or concrete work that cannot be postponed; emergency repairs.

Last confirmed: 2026 season (from 1 Jun 2026) reported by Oman Observer, 31 May 2026, and Times of Oman, 29 Jun 2026. No Ministry of Labour page retrieved.

• Oman Observer: MoL announces mid-day break as temperatures rise near to 50C (31 May 2026)
• Times of Oman: Employers in Oman to face legal penalties for violating mandatory summer rest regulations (29 Jun 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Whole card rests on secondary sources: no mol.gov.om, Oman News Agency or Official Gazette page was found. Legal citation (Decision 286/2008 Art. 16) and penalty amounts conflict between reports; note the Labour Law was replaced by Royal Decree 53/2023, so older article numbers may be out of date.

Rule: Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) midday ban. 2026 press reports cite Ministerial Decision No. 3 of 2026; earlier seasons cited PAM Administrative Resolution No. 535/2015 under Private Sector Labour Law No. 6 of 2010.

• No work in open, exposed places from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, 1 June to 31 August.
• Employers must provide cold drinking water, first aid supplies and shaded rest areas, and organise rest breaks suited to the work and climate without cutting legal working hours.
• Outdoor work must also stop whenever weather poses a risk, for example dust storms, heavy rain, high humidity or exceptional temperatures (per 2026 report).
• Inspection teams patrol daily from 11:00. First violation: notice and one day to correct. Repeat: referral to the judiciary.

Trigger: Time-based, plus a general stop-work duty in dangerous weather.

When: 1 June to 31 August, 11:00 to 16:00.

Penalties: Unconfirmed. Reports mention legal action, suspension of the employer's file until fixed, and fines; no amounts found.

Exemptions: Unconfirmed. 2026 report: urgent technical or operational work (emergency maintenance, public services, vital facilities) with prior approval of the Labour Inspection Department and full OSH compliance.

Last confirmed: 2026 season announced by PAM Director General on 20 May 2026 (Al-Jarida) and enforcement described 25 May 2026 (Al-Rai). No PAM or KUNA page retrieved.

• Al-Jarida: Ban on work in open places at midday from June (20 May 2026)
• Al-Rai: Manpower authority daily field tours to follow midday ban (25 May 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Whole card rests on Kuwaiti newspapers: no pam.gov.kw, KUNA or Kuwait Al-Youm (gazette) page was found. Decision number (3 of 2026) is from one newspaper only.

Rule: Decision of the Minister of Labour No. (5) of 2026 on Regulating the Midday Work Ban During Summer, dated 2 April 2026 (14 Shawwal 1447). Issued under Labour Law for the Private Sector No. 36 of 2012 (Art. 166). Repeals Decision No. 3 of 2013 (as amended by No. 11 of 2025).

• No employment of workers outdoors in direct sunlight from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, 15 June to 31 August each year (Art. 1).
• Employers must post a daily working-hours schedule visible to workers and inspectors (Art. 2).
• Where an exemption is used, employers must tighten heat stress controls: reduce hours, use shifts and rotation, provide an equipped rest area and more frequent breaks, enough fluids, shade and ventilation, suitable clothing and PPE, and a system for prompt medical help (Art. 4).
• 2026 is shorter than 2025, which ran to 15 September.
• 2026 results reported: 30,246 inspection visits, six establishments and 17 workers found in breach, 99.98% compliance (GDN / Daily Tribune).

Trigger: Time-based only.

When: 15 June to 31 August, 12:00 to 16:00.

Penalties: Art. 5: penalties in Article 192 of Labour Law No. 36 of 2012. Press reports put these at a fine of BD 500 to BD 1,000 and/or up to three months in prison.

Exemptions: Art. 3: oil and gas facility workers; workers running public government facilities that must operate; emergency maintenance (employer must notify the Ministry at once); tasks that must happen during the ban such as security, supervision and lifeguarding at pools and beaches (prior Ministry approval); government projects with fixed deadlines (government body must get Ministry approval).

Last confirmed: Confirmed from the decision text on the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission site (Decision 5/2026, dated 2 Apr 2026; Official Gazette issue 3872 of 2 Apr 2026 per gazette index).

• LLOC Bahrain: Minister of Labour Decision No. 5 of 2026official
• Bahrain Official Gazette issue 3872 (2 Apr 2026)official
• GDN: Compliance with work ban commended (2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Penalty amounts (BD 500 to 1,000, up to 3 months) come from press reports; Article 192 of Law 36/2012 was not read. 2026 inspection figures are from press, not a Ministry page.

Rule: Proposed rule: Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings, RIN 1218-AD39, Docket OSHA-2021-0009, NPRM 89 FR 70698 (30 Aug 2024).

• There is NO final federal OSHA heat standard as of 13 Oct 2026.
• The 2024 proposal would require a written plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture. Secondary summaries put its initial trigger at a heat index of 80 F and high-heat trigger at 90 F.
• Timeline: ANPRM 27 Oct 2021; SBREFA panel 2023; NPRM 30 Aug 2024; comments closed 14 Jan 2025; informal public hearing 16 Jun to 2 Jul 2025; post-hearing comments closed 30 Oct 2025.
• The Unified Agenda edition labelled 2026 lists the rule at Proposed Rule Stage with a Supplemental NPRM projected for December 2026 and Final Action projected for October 2027. Projected dates are not commitments.

Trigger: None in force. Proposed triggers (80 F / 90 F heat index) per secondary summaries.

When: No effective date.

Penalties: Not applicable until a final rule exists.

Exemptions: Not applicable.

Last confirmed: Status confirmed on osha.gov rulemaking page and reginfo.gov Unified Agenda (RIN 1218-AD39), read 13 Oct 2026.

• OSHA: Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rulemaking pageofficial
• reginfo.gov: RIN 1218-AD39 Unified Agenda entryofficial
• Regulations.gov docket OSHA-2021-0009official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The proposal's 80 F / 90 F triggers were not read from the Federal Register text in this check. Whether a supplemental proposal has been published after the agenda was not seen.

Rule: OSHA Directive CPL 03-00-024, National Emphasis Program: Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards. Revised directive signed and effective 10 April 2026; replaces the 8 April 2022 version (which CPL 03-01-024 had extended to 8 April 2026).

• Targets heat inspections at 55 high-risk industries (OSHA and BLS data 2022 to 2025) across general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture, indoors and outdoors.
• A 'heat priority day' is when the heat index is expected to be 80 F or more. On those days inspectors expand inspections for heat hazards and do outreach.
• Random heat-focused inspections in targeted industries on days the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning.
• In-person response prioritised for heat complaints and all employer-reported heat hospitalisations.
• Inspectors check the employer's heat programme: water, rest, shade or cool areas, training, and acclimatization of new and returning workers.
• The 2026 revision removed the old numerical inspection goal and added appendices on evaluating heat programmes and on citation guidance.
• State Plans must notify OSHA within 60 days whether they adopt it.

Trigger: Heat priority day: heat index forecast 80 F or higher. Heat Safety Tool bands used by inspectors: Caution under 80 F, Warning 80 to 94 F, Danger 95 F or higher.

When: Effective 10 April 2026 for up to five years (to April 2031).

Penalties: Citations issue under the General Duty Clause (see that card) or other standards.

Exemptions: None; it is a targeting programme.

Last confirmed: Confirmed by the directive PDF (signature and effective date 10 Apr 2026) and OSHA/DOL news release of 10 Apr 2026.

• OSHA: CPL 03-00-024 NEP Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards (2026 directive PDF)official
• OSHA news release: DOL updates national emphasis program (10 Apr 2026)official
• OSHA: Extension of CPL 03-00-024 (CPL 03-01-024)official

Rule: Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Section 5(a)(1), 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1).

• Each employer must provide employment and a workplace free from recognised hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
• With no heat standard, OSHA cites heat hazards under this clause, or sends a Hazard Alert Letter. The 2026 NEP sets out the evidence needed and requires the heat hazard to be described with particularity.
• Typical abatement OSHA points to: cool water, frequent rest breaks, cool or shaded areas, acclimatization, training, and a heat illness prevention programme.

Trigger: None in law. OSHA uses heat index 80 F as its enforcement focus line (NEP).

When: Permanent.

Penalties: 2026 federal maximums: serious and other-than-serious USD 16,550 per violation; willful and repeat USD 165,514 per violation; failure to abate USD 16,550 per day (generally limited to 30 days). State Plans set their own amounts.

Exemptions: None specific to heat.

Last confirmed: Penalty amounts confirmed by OSHA memo of 21 May 2026 (no inflation increase for 2026; 2025 amounts remain).

• OSHA: OSH Act Section 5, Dutiesofficial
• OSHA memo: 2026 Annual Adjustments to OSHA Civil Penalties (21 May 2026)official

Rule: NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2016-106 (February 2016), revising the 1986 criteria.

• Recommends WBGT-based limits: Recommended Alert Limits (RALs) for unacclimatized workers and Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) for acclimatized workers, adjusted for metabolic rate.
• Acclimatization (the '20 percent rule'): new workers no more than 20% of the usual heat exposure on day 1, increasing by no more than 20% each additional day.
• Workers with previous experience of the job: no more than 50% on day 1, 60% on day 2, 80% on day 3 and 100% on day 4.
• Hydration: for moderate activity under 2 hours, 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15 to 20 minutes; for several hours of sweating, drinks with electrolytes; generally no more than 6 cups per hour.
• Supervise new employees closely for their first 14 days or until acclimatized; train workers and supervisors before hot work starts.

Trigger: RAL/REL are WBGT curves by metabolic rate (values not reproduced here).

When: Published Feb 2016; CDC heat pages updated 3 Mar 2026 and 16 Jul 2026.

Penalties: None.

Exemptions: None.

Last confirmed: Acclimatization and hydration wording confirmed on CDC/NIOSH pages read 13 Oct 2026.

• CDC/NIOSH: Publication 2016-106official
• CDC/NIOSH: Heat stress, Acclimatizationofficial
• CDC/NIOSH: Heat stress, Workplace Recommendationsofficial

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Numerical RAL/REL equations and ceiling values were not read from the 2016 PDF in this check, so they are left out.

Rule: OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (free app, iOS and Android).

• Shows the real-time heat index for your location with a risk level, plus an hourly forecast for planning shifts.
• Gives precautions for each risk level, symptoms and first aid for heat illness, and tips on acclimatization, hydration and breaks.
• English and Spanish (Spanish follows the device language).
• Heat index assumes shade; full sun can add up to 15 F.
• CDC says the app is not receiving updates at this time while NIOSH evaluates options.

Trigger: Risk bands as listed in the 2026 OSHA NEP: Caution under 80 F, Warning 80 to 94 F, Danger 95 F or higher heat index.

When: CDC app page last reviewed 3 Mar 2026.

Penalties: None.

Exemptions: None.

Last confirmed: Confirmed on CDC app page and 2026 NEP directive, read 13 Oct 2026.

• CDC/NIOSH: Heat Safety Tool Appofficial
• OSHA 2026 Heat NEP directive (app risk bands)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Earlier app versions used a four or five level scale (minimal to extreme); the current in-app labels were not checked on a device.

Rule: Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3395, Heat Illness Prevention (outdoor places of employment).

• Applies to all outdoor places of employment, year-round.
• Water: free, fresh, suitably cool, close to work; at least 1 quart per employee per hour for the whole shift if not plumbed (can start smaller with effective refill).
• Shade: required when the temperature exceeds 80 F, big enough for everyone on rest to sit without touching; on request at or below 80 F. Cool-down rest allowed any time, at least 5 minutes, not ordered back until symptoms abate.
• High-heat procedures at 95 F or above in agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and transport of agricultural products or heavy materials: effective communication, observation (supervisor to 20 or fewer, buddy system, or check-ins), designated EMS caller, water reminders, pre-shift meetings.
• Agriculture at 95 F or above: a minimum 10-minute net cool-down rest every two hours (more after hours 8 and 10).
• Acclimatization: close observation of all workers in a heat wave (high of at least 80 F and 10 F above the prior five-day average) and of new workers in high heat for their first 14 days.
• Training before heat exposure for workers and supervisors; written Heat Illness Prevention Plan in English and the majority language, kept on site.

Trigger: 80 F shade; 95 F high-heat procedures; heat wave = forecast high of 80 F or more and 10 F above the preceding 5-day average.

When: Year-round.

Penalties: Not set in the section; Cal/OSHA general civil penalty structure applies (amounts not checked here).

Exemptions: Shade alternatives allowed where shade is infeasible or unsafe; high-heat procedures apply only to the listed industries.

Last confirmed: Text read on dir.ca.gov, 13 Oct 2026.

• Cal/OSHA: Title 8 Section 3395official

Rule: Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3396, Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment. Filed and operative 23 July 2024 (Register 2024, No. 30).

• Applies to indoor work areas at 82 F or higher when employees are present.
• Full duties (assessment and control) apply when the temperature or heat index is 87 F or higher, or the temperature is 82 F or higher where workers wear heat-restricting clothing or work in high radiant heat.
• Water: free, suitably cool, at least 1 quart per employee per hour; cool-down areas kept below 82 F unless infeasible; cool-down rest any time.
• Measure and record temperature and heat index (keep 12 months); remeasure when conditions are expected to rise 10 F or more.
• Controls in order: engineering (bring below 87 F, or below 82 F for clothing/radiant cases), then administrative, then personal heat-protective equipment.
• Close observation in heat waves and of new workers for 14 days; training; written plan (can be part of the IIPP or the 3395 plan).

Trigger: 82 F scope; 87 F (temperature or heat index) full coverage; 82 F for heat-restricting clothing or high radiant heat.

When: Year-round; operative 23 Jul 2024.

Penalties: Not set in the section; Cal/OSHA general penalty structure applies.

Exemptions: Telework at an employee-chosen site; incidental exposure of 82 F to under 95 F for less than 15 minutes in any 60 (not vehicles without working A/C or shipping containers during loading); emergency operations protecting life or property; state prisons and local detention and juvenile facilities.

Last confirmed: Text read on dir.ca.gov, 13 Oct 2026.

• Cal/OSHA: Title 8 Section 3396official

Rule: WAC 296-62-095 to 296-62-09560, Outdoor heat exposure. Last amended by WSR 23-14-042, effective 17 July 2023.

• Applies to employers with employees working outdoors and exposed to outdoor heat; the scope section sets no calendar window.
• Action levels (Table 1): 52 F for non-breathable clothing (vapor barrier, chemical-resistant suits); 80 F for all other clothing.
• At or above the action level: shade (or an equally effective cooling means) close to work, big enough for everyone on break; at least 1 quart of cool water per employee per hour; paid preventative cool-down rest on request.
• High heat at 90 F or above: mandatory paid cool-down rest of 10 minutes every 2 hours; at 100 F or above: 15 minutes every hour (can overlap with required breaks).
• Close observation (buddy system, regular contact with lone workers, or other effective means) in high heat, during heat waves, and for 14 days for new workers or those returning after 7 or more days away.
• Outdoor heat safety programme must be in the written Accident Prevention Program, in a language workers understand; annual training.

Trigger: 52 F (non-breathable clothing), 80 F (other clothing); 90 F high heat (10 min per 2 h); 100 F (15 min per h). Heat wave: forecast high at or above the action level and 10 F above the 5-day average.

When: Year-round (no seasonal window in the current scope section).

Penalties: Not set in the rule; WISHA general penalties apply (not checked).

Exemptions: Incidental exposure of 15 minutes or less in any 60; firefighters (chapter 296-305 WAC); agriculture is covered by its own chapter 296-307 WAC; emergency response work is exempt from the Table 2 rest schedule.

Last confirmed: Sections read on app.leg.wa.gov, 13 Oct 2026 (history shows WSR 23-14-042, effective 17 Jul 2023).

• WAC 296-62-09510 Scopeofficial
• WAC 296-62-09530 Employer responsibility (Table 1)official
• WAC 296-62-09547 High heat proceduresofficial
• WAC 296-62-09545 Acclimatizationofficial

Not yet confirmed from an official source: That the pre-2023 rule ran only May to September is from memory of the earlier rule, not re-read. The parallel agriculture rules in chapter 296-307 WAC were not read.

Rule: L&I CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry, AO 26-15, WSR 26-17-088, dated 18 August 2026: indoor heat exposure and heat illness prevention in all industries.

• Washington has no indoor heat rule yet. L&I has started rulemaking after a petition received 15 Oct 2025.
• It will consider trigger temperatures or another environmental stress measure, water, cooling, rest breaks, emergency response, training and planning.

Trigger: None yet.

When: No proposal (CR-102) or effective date yet.

Penalties: Not applicable.

Exemptions: Not applicable.

Last confirmed: CR-101 text read (dated 18 Aug 2026).

• L&I CR-101, WSR 26-17-088 (18 Aug 2026)official

Rule: OAR 437-002-0156 Heat Illness Prevention (general industry and construction, Division 2), adopted OSHA 3-2022, effective 15 June 2022. Parallel agriculture rule OAR 437-004-1131.

• Applies indoors and outdoors whenever the heat index equals or exceeds 80 F.
• Shade (open on at least three sides or ventilated) and enough cool (66 to 77 F) or cold (35 to 65 F) water for up to 32 oz per hour per worker, free, at 80 F heat index.
• High-heat practices at 90 F heat index if engineering or administrative controls cannot bring exposure below it: communication, buddy system or regular contact, designated EMS caller, indoor heat index measurement where no mechanical ventilation.
• Written rest-break schedule at 90 F or above, choosing one option: employer-designed minimum of 10 minutes every 2 hours at 90 F and 15 minutes every hour at 100 F; the NIOSH schedule; or the simplified table (10 min per 2 h at 90 F, 20 min per h at 95 F, 30 min per h at 100 F, 40 min per h at 105 F).
• Heat rest breaks are a work assignment (paid) unless they coincide with an unpaid meal break.
• Written acclimatization plan (own design or the NIOSH plan), written heat illness prevention plan, annual training before heat exposure, training records kept.

Trigger: Heat index 80 F (shade, water, plan, training); 90 F (high-heat practices and rest schedule); simplified rest table steps at 95, 100 and 105 F.

When: Year-round, whenever the heat index trigger is met.

Penalties: Not set in the rule; Oregon OSHA general penalties apply (not checked).

Exemptions: Incidental exposure of 15 minutes or less in any 60; heat from the work process itself (for example bakeries; covered by OAR 437-002-0144(2)); emergency operations; buildings whose mechanical ventilation keeps the heat index under 80 F. Partial: rest or light workloads exempt from sections 3 to 10 below 90 F; wildland fire support exempt from section 7; home workers only need training.

Last confirmed: Text read from Oregon OSHA Division 2 Subdivision J (AO 1-2025 edition), 13 Oct 2026.

• Oregon OSHA: Division 2, Subdivision J (includes 437-002-0156)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The agriculture rule OAR 437-004-1131 was not read; it is reported to mirror the Division 2 rule.

Rule: Agricultural Labor Conditions Rules, 7 CCR 1103-15, Rule 3 Heat Illness and Injury Protection. Current version adopted 8 Dec 2025, effective 1 Feb 2026 (heat rules first effective 1 May 2022).

• Applies to agricultural work on days the worksite temperature is, or is forecast to be, at least 80 F (outdoor: forecast high; indoor: measured).
• Water: at least 32 oz per worker per hour, kept at 60 F or cooler.
• Shade close to the worksite for rest, meal and cool-down breaks, or equivalent measures (air-conditioned vehicle or structure, cooling vest) if shade is unsafe or impossible.
• Increased risk conditions (in addition to 80 F): high of 95 F or more; CDPHE air quality advisory or action day; shifts over 12 hours; vapor-barrier clothing or heavy PPE; or a worker's first four workdays (also after 30 days away). Then no more than two hours of work before at least 10 minutes of rest.
• Preventative cool-down rest in shade on request, at least 10 minutes after reaching shade and until symptoms ease.
• Where 80 F is reasonably expected in the year: communication, monitoring, emergency response procedures, and training by 20 April each year (in the worker's language).
• Where 95 F is reasonably expected: fans that can run continuously in all sleeping quarters of employer housing.

Trigger: 80 F (basic duties); 95 F or other increased risk conditions (10 min rest per 2 h). Fallback when monitoring impossible: months with 76 F and 90 F average highs.

When: Applies day by day year-round; training deadline 20 April each year.

Penalties: Not stated in Rule 3; anti-retaliation and remedies under C.R.S. 8-2-206 and the WARNING Rules (amounts not checked).

Exemptions: Workers doing no more than 15 minutes in any 60 under trigger conditions; workdays that end before the forecast trigger is reached; adjusted duties for range workers.

Last confirmed: Rule text read from the CDLE adopted rules file (adopted 8 Dec 2025, effective 1 Feb 2026).

• CDLE: Adopted Agricultural Labor Conditions Rules 7 CCR 1103-15 (12.8.25)official

Rule: HB26-1272 Extreme Temperatures Worker Protections, signed 4 June 2026, 2026 Session Laws Chapter 384, effective 12 August 2026.

• Does not set temperature triggers or water/shade/rest duties for non-agricultural workers.
• CDLE Division of Labor Standards and Statistics must start collecting data on temperature-related injuries, illnesses and emergencies by 15 January 2027 (including a reporting platform).
• The Division must publish a model temperature-related injury and illness prevention plan (TRIIPP) by 1 July 2028 and review it at least every 5 years.
• The Division may adopt rules to implement the act.

Trigger: None.

When: Effective 12 Aug 2026; data collection by 15 Jan 2027; model plan by 1 Jul 2028.

Penalties: None stated.

Exemptions: Not stated.

Last confirmed: Confirmed on leg.colorado.gov bill page, read 13 Oct 2026.

• Colorado General Assembly: HB26-1272official
• Reed Smith: Colorado expands extreme temperature protections to all workers

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Statement that the law does not require employer plans comes from the Reed Smith summary; the act text was not read.

Rule: COMAR 09.12.32 Heat Stress Standards (Maryland Occupational Safety and Health), effective 30 September 2024.

• Applies indoors and outdoors where workers are exposed to a heat index at or above 80 F. Employers must monitor the heat index through the shift (direct measurement, National Weather Service, or the NIOSH app; direct measurement required in buildings without mechanical ventilation).
• Written Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan covering water, rest, shade, training, acclimatization, high-heat and emergency procedures.
• Water: free, at least 32 oz per hour per worker, close to work.
• Shade open on at least three sides, big enough for all users to sit normally; alternative cooling where shade is infeasible.
• Acclimatization for up to 14 days for new workers and those back after 7 or more consecutive days away: gradual schedule over 5 to 14 days with at most a 20% increase per day, or the NIOSH schedule, or a mix with cooling measures.
• High-heat procedures at heat index 90 F or above: minimum rest of 10 minutes every 2 hours above 90 and below 100 F, and 15 minutes every hour above 100 F (or the NIOSH schedule), unless alternative cooling is shown to be effective.
• Training for workers and supervisors, repeated at least annually and after any heat illness incident.

Trigger: Heat index 80 F (scope); 90 F (high heat, 10 min per 2 h); above 100 F (15 min per h).

When: Year-round.

Penalties: Not stated in the summary; MOSH general penalties apply (not checked).

Exemptions: Incidental exposure under 15 minutes per hour; emergency operations and essential services; work areas in buildings, structures or vehicles whose ventilation or fans keep the heat index below 80 F.

Last confirmed: Confirmed from MOSH 'Key Requirements' sheet (states effective 30 Sep 2024), read 13 Oct 2026.

• Maryland Department of Labor: Key Requirements, Maryland Heat Stress Standardsofficial
• Maryland General Assembly: SB 804 (2026)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The COMAR text itself was not read (figures from the MOSH official summary). SB 804 (2026) would have moved the rules into statute and switched the 90 F high-heat trigger from heat index to air temperature; a labour newsletter reports it passed the Senate 31-11 in March 2026, but the official bill page shows no House passage, chapter or Governor action, so treat it as not enacted.

Rule: Nevada OSHA heat illness regulation, LCB File No. R131-24AP (NAC Chapter 618), adopted 28 Oct 2024, approved by the Legislative Commission 15 Nov 2024; effective on filing. Enforcement began 29 Apr 2025 (per guidance).

• Employers with more than 10 employees must do a one-time job hazard analysis of conditions that could cause heat illness, for job classifications where most employees are exposed to heat for more than 30 minutes in any 60 (excluding breaks).
• If the analysis finds risk, a written safety programme is needed: potable water, rest breaks when a worker shows heat illness signs, means of cooling, monitoring by a designated person, reducing processes that add heat or humidity, training and emergency procedures.
• A designated person must call emergency services when a worker shows heat illness signs.
• Updated Nevada OSHA guidance dated 21 May 2026 separates required actions from recommended practices.

Trigger: No temperature trigger; trigger is exposure for more than 30 minutes in any 60.

When: Year-round.

Penalties: Not stated in the press release.

Exemptions: Indoor workers in climate-controlled environments, including vehicles with working climate control (if it fails, the employer must try to restore it promptly and use interim measures).

Last confirmed: Nevada Department of Business and Industry press release, 20 Nov 2024. The 21 May 2026 guidance exists on dir.nv.gov but did not load.

• Nevada B&I: NV OSHA Heat Illness Regulation Approved (20 Nov 2024)official
• Nevada DIR: Updated Heat Illness Prevention Guidance (21 May 2026)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Enforcement start of 29 Apr 2025 is from secondary reporting of the Jan 2025 guidance (90-day stay). The regulation text was not read.

Rule: Minnesota Rules 5205.0110, Subpart 2 Heat conditions (indoor). Enforcement instruction MNOSHA STD 5-1.3A, 5 Jan 2024.

• Covers indoor work (any space between floor and ceiling bounded by walls, open or closed doors included).
• Two-hour time-weighted average WBGT limits for fully clothed, acclimatized workers: heavy work 77 F, moderate 80 F, light 86 F.
• Workers exposed to heat must receive training under Minn. R. 5206.0700 (Employee Right-to-Know, harmful physical agents).
• Since Jan 2024 MNOSHA treats exposures below the current ACGIH TLV screening criteria as compliant: light 31.0 C (87.8 F), moderate 28.0 C (82.4 F); heavy work still enforced at the rule's 77 F (citations above 25.5 C / 77.9 F WBGT allowing for instrument accuracy).

Trigger: WBGT 2-hour TWA: heavy 77 F, moderate 80 F, light 86 F (rule); enforcement for light and moderate follows 2023 ACGIH screening (87.8 F, 82.4 F).

When: Year-round.

Penalties: Not set in the rule; MNOSHA general penalties apply (not checked).

Exemptions: Outdoor work is not covered by this subpart.

Last confirmed: Rule text read on revisor.mn.gov; MNOSHA instruction dated 5 Jan 2024 read 13 Oct 2026.

• Minnesota Revisor: Rule 5205.0110official
• MNOSHA Instruction STD 5-1.3A (5 Jan 2024)official

Rule: SB 288 / HB 1092 (2026 session), signed by Gov. Spanberger 13 April 2026, adding Va. Code 40.1-44.2; reported as Acts Chapters 732 and 731. Law effective 1 July 2026.

• Directs the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt an indoor and outdoor heat illness standard by 1 May 2028.
• The standard must cover water, shade or climate-controlled areas where practicable, rest, acclimatization, training, high-heat procedures and emergency response.
• Temperature thresholds are left to the Board.

Trigger: None yet.

When: Standard due by 1 May 2028.

Penalties: Not applicable yet.

Exemptions: Reported: emergency services work and exposure under 15 consecutive minutes.

Last confirmed: Secondary only (law firm and trade press, April 2026).

• Virginia LIS: SB288 (2026)official
• McGuireWoods: Virginia to enact state standard (Apr 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The Virginia LIS page did not render and legacy LIS refused the connection, so signing date, chapter numbers, the 2028 deadline and exemptions are from secondary sources only.

Rule: Proposed 11.5.7 NMAC Heat Illness and Injury Prevention, Environmental Improvement Board docket EIB 25-11(R), petition by NMED Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (2025).

• Proposal would cover indoor and outdoor workplaces in general industry, construction and agriculture, with controls from a heat index of 80 F: written plan, acclimatization, cool water, shaded rest periods, training and record-keeping.
• NMED filed a fourth motion on 24 Jul 2026 to vacate the 21 Sep 2026 hearing and reschedule to the week of 22 to 26 March 2027, saying consensus had not been reached.

Trigger: Proposed: heat index 80 F (per press reports).

When: No adoption date.

Penalties: Not applicable.

Exemptions: Not confirmed.

Last confirmed: NMED motion dated 24 Jul 2026 (official filing, title read from index).

• NMED: Heat Illness and Injury Prevention rulemaking pageofficial
• NMED Fourth Motion to Vacate and Reschedule (EIB 25-11, 24 Jul 2026)official
• Source NM: Environment officials propose another delay (31 Jul 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Whether the Board granted the 2027 reschedule was not found. Proposal details are from press and law-firm summaries; the draft rule text was not read.

Rule: Industrial Commission of Arizona approval (9 April 2026) of the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force recommendations under Executive Order 2025-09; ADOSH Heat State Emphasis Program (since 2023).

• No enforceable state heat standard. Guidance asks employers to have a heat illness prevention plan with free cool water, shade, rest, acclimatization and training; template plans offered.
• ADOSH updates its Heat State Emphasis Program to use the guidance in inspections; citations still rely on the general duty clause.

Trigger: None in law.

When: Approved 9 Apr 2026.

Penalties: None specific.

Exemptions: Reported: incidental exposure of 15 minutes or less in any 60; emergency operations.

Last confirmed: Secondary (ICA release as reproduced by ASSP Arizona chapter; press). Task force recommendations announced by the Governor's office.

• Office of the Governor: Workplace Heat Safety Task Force delivers recommendationsofficial
• ASSP Arizona: ICA-ADOSH approves heat guidance (Apr 2026)

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The ICA's own 9 Apr 2026 release was not opened on azica.gov; final guideline text not read.

Rule: Pending bills, 2026 to 2027 session (for example A1995 and S1447, introduced 13 Jan 2026).

• No state heat standard in force. Bills would create an occupational heat-related illness and injury prevention programme and heat stress standard.

Trigger: None in force.

When: No enactment found.

Penalties: Not applicable.

Exemptions: Not applicable.

Last confirmed: Secondary (bill trackers, 2026 press).

• New Jersey Legislatureofficial

Not yet confirmed from an official source: Bill numbers and status from LegiScan and press; the NJ Legislature bill pages were not opened.

Rule: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3004), regulation 7; plus the general risk assessment duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

• There is no legal maximum working temperature in the UK. HSE: no law sets when it is too hot to work, because every workplace is different.
• Regulation 7: during working hours the temperature in indoor workplaces must be reasonable; buildings must be adequately insulated where needed and excessive effects of sunlight avoided; enough thermometers must be provided.
• HSE guidance says indoor workplaces should normally be at least 16 C, or 13 C where work involves rigorous physical effort.
• Employers must assess and control heat risks, indoors and outdoors, as part of normal risk assessment.

Trigger: Minimum guidance only (16 C, or 13 C for strenuous work). No maximum.

When: Year-round.

Penalties: Breach of the regulations is a criminal offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (amounts not checked here).

Exemptions: Regulation 7 applies to workplaces inside buildings; outdoor work falls under general risk assessment duties.

Last confirmed: legislation.gov.uk and HSE pages read 13 Oct 2026.

• legislation.gov.uk: SI 1992/3004 regulation 7official
• HSE: Temperature in the workplace, employer guidanceofficial

Not yet confirmed from an official source: The Management Regulations 1999 risk assessment duty is cited from general knowledge; the HSE page links to it but it was not re-read in this check.

Rule: WHO and WMO: Climate change and workplace heat stress, technical report and guidance (22 Aug 2025). ILO: Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate (April 2024).

• WHO/WMO 2025 is the first global workplace heat stress guidance since WHO's 1969 report. It reports productivity falls 2 to 3% for each degree above 20 C and recommends local heat-health action plans, protection of at-risk workers, training and worker involvement.
• ILO 2024 estimates at least 2.41 billion workers (70.9% of the workforce, 2020 data) are exposed to excessive heat each year, linked to 22.87 million injuries and 18,970 deaths a year.

Trigger: None binding.

When: WHO/WMO 22 Aug 2025; ILO April 2024.

Penalties: None.

Exemptions: None.

Last confirmed: WHO news release read 13 Oct 2026. ILO figures from press coverage of the report.

• WHO: WHO, WMO issue new report and guidance to protect workers from increasing heat stress (22 Aug 2025)official

Not yet confirmed from an official source: ILO figures (2.41 billion, 70.9%, 22.87 million injuries, 18,970 deaths) were taken from UN and press summaries; the ILO report page itself was not opened.