The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has officially updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to strengthen protections for workers exposed to extreme heat. Effective immediately, the revised program focuses agency resources on high-risk industries where heat-related illnesses and injuries are most prevalent.
Targeting High-Risk Industries
Using data from 2022–2025, OSHA has identified 55 high-risk industries for prioritized inspections. These include sectors such as construction, farming, manufacturing, warehousing, and restaurants. The goal is to move beyond general oversight and target specific workplaces with historically high rates of heat-related citations or medical emergencies.
Key Updates to the Program
- Weather-Triggered Inspections: On days when the National Weather Service issues heat advisories or warnings, OSHA will conduct random, proactive inspections in targeted high-risk industries.
- Expanded Scope: Compliance officers are now instructed to expand any ongoing inspection if they observe evidence of heat-related hazards, regardless of the original reason for the visit.
- Revised Guidance: The update introduces new appendices for evaluating employer heat programs and provides clearer citation guidance for inspectors to ensure consistent enforcement.
- Long-Term Commitment: This updated NEP will remain in effect for five years, providing a stable framework for heat safety enforcement through 2031.
Support for Employers
To help businesses comply, OSHA is offering free, confidential health and safety consulting through its On-Site Consultation Program, specifically designed for small- and medium-sized businesses. Employers are encouraged to provide “Water, Rest, and Shade” and to implement acclimatization plans for new or returning workers.
As heat-related illness remains a leading cause of preventable workplace fatalities, OSHA officials emphasize that these updates are critical to ensuring that “protection from heat” becomes a standard part of every high-risk workplace’s safety culture.