Arizona Officials Adopt New Workplace Heat Safety Standards
The Industrial Commission of Arizona approved task force recommendations to bolster employee protections ahead of the summer season.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 13, 2026
State regulators have moved to strengthen heat illness protections for thousands of employees following a unanimous vote by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The decision directs agency staff to immediately update the state’s Heat State Emphasis Program, incorporating new employer guidelines developed over the past year.
The updated framework focuses on practical resources for businesses, including a downloadable template to help employers draft formal safety plans. By providing these tools, the commission aims to standardize how companies manage high-temperature risks, particularly for those in outdoor or high-heat industries.
“Arizona workers deserve to be safe from heat risk in the workplace,” Industrial Commission Chair Dennis Kavanaugh said, noting that the state’s action provides a critical safety net following the expiration of federal OSHA’s National Emphasis Program earlier this month.
In addition to policy updates, the state will launch a recognition program known as the THERMAL award. This initiative will highlight employers that exceed minimum safety requirements. To ensure accountability, officials will also begin publishing annual reports detailing heat-related injuries, fatalities and citations to measure the effectiveness of the new guidelines.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.