Safety community says it is poised to move forward to protect workers from extreme heat

September 24, 2025

Workplace safety experts say industries are moving forward with heat safety precautions despite the lack of a federal mandate forcing them to enact such measures.

Vendors at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo last week marketed such items as cooling “ice” vests and other personal protective equipment used to prevent overheating. Attendees crowded into sessions on heat safety and what heat stroke looks like.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still working on a proposed standard for workforce heat safety, according to an agency spokesman at the conference, held Sept. 14 to 17 in Denver.

During a news conference, National Safety Council President Lorraine Martin addressed the various measures being implemented at both state and federal levels. Seven states have adopted occupational rules for heat safety as of mid-2025, and more are proposing policies.

Meanwhile, the federal government is navigating the range of opinions for and against its proposed heat standard after a series of public hearings over the summer, according to the  OSHA spokesman. Safety professionals, meanwhile, lamented how long it takes for a standard to be implemented. Years, in most cases.

“Tune it out and do what’s best” for workers, Ms. Martin said, applauding what she sees as a heightened interest among employers seeking guidance. On managing a workforce dealing with high temperatures, Ms. Martin said, “You’ve got to know your environment. And there’s plenty of research on the human body and where it functions best. Make sure that the conditions you’re putting your workers in are within those guidelines.”