1-800-321-OSHA (6742) TTY 1-877-889-5627 osha.gov/heat

Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly to Workers

Most states are experiencing an unprecedented heat 

wave and the U.S. is on track for the hottest summer 

on record. 

Heat is a well-known and recognized occupational 

hazard for outdoor and indoor workers that can cause 

serious or fatal illness when they are not provided the 

necessary protections and training. 

Each year, thousands of workers become sick from 

occupational heat exposure, and too many of those 

illnesses result in fatalities. New employees whose 

bodies have not had time to adjust to working in the heat 

are most vulnerable — nearly 3 out of 4 workers who die 

from heat-related causes die in their first week on the job.

Employer Responsibility

It’s the law! Employers have a duty to protect 

workers against heat. Employers have a legal and 

moral responsibility not to assign work in high heat 

conditions without protections in place for workers, 

where they could be literally worked to death. This is 

true even in Texas, despite its recent law limiting local 

ordinances on heat illness protections.

 At a minimum, employers should provide adequate 

cool water, rest breaks, and shade or a cool rest 

area for employees. 

 Give new or returning employees the chance to 

gradually acclimatize (or become used to working 

in hot temperatures), to be trained and plan for 

emergencies, and to monitor for heat signs/symptoms.

 Train employees on heat illness prevention, signs

of heat illness, and how to act immediately if they 

or another employee appears to be suffering from a 

heat related illness.

Worker Rights

Every worker covered under the OSH Act has the 

right to a safe and healthful workplace.

HAZARDALERT
Workers can file a confidential complaint with OSHA 

if they believe their working conditions are unsafe 

or unhealthful, or if they think their employer is not 

following OSHA standards.

Complaints can be reported by calling OSHA at 800-

321-OSHA or filed online. 

It is illegal for any employer to fire or otherwise 

retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA 

and uses their legal rights. Workers can exercise 

their rights to file a Whistleblower complaint within 

30 days if they believe they have been retaliated 

against in any way.

Federal Enforcement 

OSHA initiated a National Emphasis Program on heat 

in April 2022, and continues to focus enforcement 

efforts in geographic areas and industries with the 

most vulnerable workers. Many states have their 

own initiatives, and several have their own OSHA 

heat standards.

The Agency is planning enhanced enforcement 

actions, with a strategic focus on geographic locations 

and industries where high heat impacts vulnerable 

worker populations. This means more inspection 

activity as well as a broader use of enforcement tools, 

especially where workers are in clear danger.

OSHA will also be providing outreach and compliance 

assistance to ensure employers, including those not 

covered by the OSH Act, and worker organizations 

have the tools to protect workers from hazardous heat. 

OSHA is also diligently working towards publishing 

a proposed standard on heat illness prevention 

for indoor and outdoor workers. We are currently 

in the Congressionally mandated Small Business 

Regulatory Flexibility Act process, to get feedback 

from small businesses on regulatory approaches 

under consideration. 

Employers should immediately take all steps to 

protect workers from extreme heat. Learn more 

about how to protect workers from occupational 

heat hazards at osha.gov/heat.

This hazard alert is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory 

safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a 

safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations 

promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to 

provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

 HA-4279 07/2023

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov