OSHA heat enforcement keeps its teeth this summer
Archive story from the 2026-06-08 edition. This is the reporting as filed; source publication and event dates may differ. Check the dated storyline for subsequent developments.
OSHA replaced its lapsed heat emphasis program with an updated enforcement directive, and inspectors are signaling citations over warnings.
OSHA's Heat National Emphasis Program lapsed (early April) and was replaced by an updated enforcement directive (CPL 03-00-024); the proposed federal heat standard is still in rulemaking. Inspectors are signaling fewer warnings and more citations this summer under the General Duty Clause.
Why it matters
Summer CAT and mitigation work means crews in heat. A written heat plan is now both compliance and your best legal defense if something goes wrong on a jobsite.
Our assessment
With the emphasis program lapsed and the federal standard unfinished, it is tempting to wait for a final rule. The citation risk does not wait, because the general duty clause covers heat whether or not a standard exists. Write the heat plan now: water, shade, rest intervals, an acclimatization schedule for new hires, and a named person on each crew who calls the break.
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Regulator/Gov / Trade press Medium confidence at publication
What changed
Storyline: OSHA & EPA
What changed the heat NEP was replaced by directive CPL 03-00-024; enforcement now runs through the General Duty Clause.