On April 10, 2026, OSHA updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect workers from outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards, directing agency resources to areas where they can have the greatest impact by focusing inspections and outreach on industries and workplaces with the highest risk of heat stress. The updated NEP is effective immediately and will remain in place until April 10, 2031.
Background
OSHA launched its NEP on April 8, 2022, to protect workers from heat-related hazards in indoor and outdoor workplaces. Through the program, OSHA conducts workplace inspections to identify heat-related hazards before workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses or fatalities.
The NEP establishes heat priority days when the heat index is expected to be 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. On those priority days, OSHA will:
- Initiate compliance assistance in the targeted high-risk industries; and
- Continue to investigate any alleged heat-related fatality, catastrophe, complaint or referral, regardless of whether the worksite falls within a targeted high-risk industry.
The NEP encourages employers to protect their workers from heat-related hazards during heat priority days by providing them with access to water, rest, shade and adequate training, as well as implementing acclimatization procedures for new or returning employees.
OSHA issued a notice in January 2025 that it would extend the effective date of its Outdoor and Indoor Heat-related Hazards NEP until April 8, 2026.
Key Highlights
The updated NEP makes the following changes:
- Updated target industries using current data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA (Appendix A);
- Removed outdated background information and references;
- Updated links;
- Revised inspection goal;
- Reorganized and added Appendix I: Evaluation of a Heat Program;
- Reorganized and added Appendix J: Citation Guidance;
- Added coding for worksite assistance; and
- Added coding for unprogrammed emphasis hazards.
Compliance officers will continue to conduct outreach and provide compliance assistance, and expand inspections when 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 issues a heat advisory or warning.
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 this updated program allows OSHA to better focus on outreach, compliance assistance and enforcement in high-risk industries and to promote effective prevention practices.
OSHA states 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, can assist employers in developing strategic approaches to address heat-related illnesses and injuries in workplaces.
Employer Takeaway
Employers should review the updated NEP and make sure they have implemented adequate policies and procedures to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities among workers. If employers already have a heat illness prevention program, they should review it and make any necessary updates. In doing so, employers can reduce heat illness injuries and prepare themselves for potential OSHA inspections.
For more tips on keeping your team safe and your management properly protected, connect with the friendly, local insurance experts at Deeley Insurance Group today. We’ll help build your smartest, safest insurance program ever. Call or text us at 410.213.5600.
