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OSHA recently updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) that protects workers from outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards.
The Department of Labor (DOL) said this update directs agency resources where they can make the biggest impact - focusing inspections and outreach in industries and workplaces where heat stress risks are most likely to occur.
The revised Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards NEP is effective immediately and will be in place until April 10, 2031.
Originally issued in April 2022, the revised NEP uses OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor work settings.
Through this data, OSHA identified industries with high rates of heat-related illness and industries with employers that have received heat-related citations or hazard alert letters.
The full list of industries includes:
Agriculture
Construction
Raw Materials
Manufacturing
Supply Chain
Service Industries
Other business types
The revised emphasis program removes outdated background information, updates links, and eliminates the former numerical inspection goal
Revisions also introduced two reorganized appendices: one for evaluating heat programs and another for citation guidance.
The update also includes clearer guidance that will improve tracking and more effectively implement the program's enforcement and outreach efforts.
Heat illness remains a serious hazard for indoor and outdoor workers, leading to preventable injuries and fatalities every year. Ensuring that employers take the steps needed to safeguard workers is essential, and OSHA said this updated program allows it to better focus on outreach, compliance assistance, and enforcement efforts in high-risk industries and promote effective prevention practices.
Compliance officers will continue to conduct outreach and compliance assistance and expand any inspection where there is evidence of heat-related hazards on heat priority days.
Additionally, compliance officers will conduct random inspections focused on heat hazards in high-risk industries on days when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a heat advisory or warning.
OSHA said it will continue its compliance assistance and outreach efforts to industry and labor stakeholders, alliance partners, and media to broaden the reach of heat safety information and resources.
The agency’s On-Site Consultation Program, a free and confidential health and safety consulting program for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can assist employers with developing strategic approaches for addressing heat-related illnesses and injuries in workplaces.
Donald Halsing is the Founding Editorial Director of Work Safety 24/7. He was formerly the Associate Editor of Robotics 24/7.
Don's experience spans the supply chain, logistics, and construction industries, having worked in both warehouse operations and land surveying. He is also a professional wedding photographer with his fiancée Ashley.
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