As climate change intensifies, extreme heat has become one of the leading causes of weather-related illness and death in the United States. Outdoor and indoor workers in high-risk industries such as agriculture, construction, and warehousing are particularly susceptible. While the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is still in the process of finalizing a national heat illness prevention rule, several states have adopted enforceable standards of their own.
As of 2025, seven U.S. states have implemented statewide heat illness prevention rules. These standards vary in scope, enforcement, and the types of work environments they cover, but they share the goal of protecting vulnerable workers. Beyond worker protection, these regulations help employers reduce liability, maintain productivity, and foster a stronger culture of safety. They also serve as important models for OSHA’s forthcoming federal standard, which aims to establish a consistent nationwide framework for heat illness prevention.
While each state has differences in its heat illness prevention requirements, there are also many similarities. Common provisions include access to hydration, rest breaks, shade or cooling areas, employee training, and emergency response procedures. If your facility is located in a state with a regulation, it is important to review the rule carefully and determine how it applies to your operations.
Heat illness prevention standards are highly relevant to printing operations. Facilities without full air conditioning across production floors can leave employees exposed to elevated indoor temperatures generated by both machinery and ambient heat. Press operators, bindery staff, and warehouse workers are particularly at risk when indoor conditions exceed regulatory thresholds. Installers, who often work outdoors setting up signage or graphics, face additional hazards from direct sun exposure, vehicle loading, and rooftop or street-level conditions.
Understanding State Heat Illness Prevention Regulations
These regulations are typically enforced by state occupational safety and health agencies. Below is a summary of the requirements for each state and links to resources for each:
- California – Indoor and outdoor rules; heat triggers at 80°F (outdoor) and 82°F (indoor); high heat procedures at 95°F (outdoor); written prevention plan required; training, acclimatization protocols, and control measures.
- Oregon – Indoor and outdoor rules; heat trigger at 80°F; additional requirements above 90°F; written prevention plan required; water, shade, training, and rest breaks.
- Maryland – Indoor and outdoor rules; heat trigger at 80°F; additional requirements above 90°F; written prevention plan required; water, shade, training, and rest breaks.
- Nevada – Indoor and outdoor rules; no fixed heat trigger (job hazard analysis approach); written prevention plan required if hazards are found; applies to facilities with 10+ employees.
- Washington – Outdoor rules; heat trigger at 52°F for workers in non-breathable clothing, 80°F for others; rest breaks required at 90°F; no written prevention plan specified.
- Minnesota – Indoor rules; heat triggers at 77°F (heavy work), 80°F (moderate), and 86°F (light); ventilation and control measures required; no written prevention plan specified.
At the same time, the number of heat illness prevention bills under consideration continues to grow. Legislative or regulatory actions are currently advancing in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Vermont. The Alliance will keep members informed of any new laws or regulations adopted by states to ensure facilities are aware of their compliance obligations.
The current patchwork of state-level laws and regulations offers a roadmap for shaping future national standards. As OSHA moves toward finalizing a federal rule, these state initiatives underscore both the urgency and necessity of protecting workers from extreme heat. Expanding these protections nationwide has the potential to significantly reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among low-income and minority workers who are disproportionately impacted by climate risks.
In this article, Sara Osorio, Coordinator, EHS Affairs, PRINTING United Alliance, provides an overview of current state heat illness laws and regulations. More information on health and safety can be found at Business Excellence-EHS Affairs or reach out to Sara directly if you have questions about how these issues may affect your business: sosorio@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.