When a worker gets hurt in the heat, the first question is always the same: What did you do to prevent it?

Outdoor High-Heat Protocol (§3395)

When outdoor temperatures reach or exceed 80°F, employers must provide fresh, pure, suitably cool water (at least 1 quart per employee per hour), shade structures sufficient for all employees, and unrestricted access to shaded areas.

Mandatory Cool-Down Rest (95°F+)

When outdoor temperatures reach or exceed 95°F, workers are entitled to mandatory 10-minute preventive cool-down rest breaks as needed. Employers may not require workers to use meal breaks or rest periods for preventive cool-down rest.

Indoor Heat Illness Prevention (§3396)

Workers have the right to cooling areas, temperature monitoring, and a written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) when indoor temperatures reach 82°F.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Employers must maintain a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan covering procedures for water, shade, cool-down rests, acclimatization, emergency response, and training. Workers have the right to review this plan on-site at any time.

Heat Index Trigger

Oregon's heat illness prevention protections are triggered by the Heat Index (HI) — which accounts for both temperature and humidity. Employer obligations begin when the Heat Index reaches 80°F.

Graduated Paid Rest Schedule

Paid Breaks — Worker Rights

All heat-related rest breaks in Oregon are mandatory and must be compensated. Employers cannot deduct this time from wages, require tasks during a rest break, or pressure workers to skip a heat rest break.

Training Records & Anti-Retaliation

Oregon law requires employers to maintain written heat illness prevention training records. Workers may request a copy of their own training record at any time. Report violations to Oregon OSHA at 800-922-2689.

Year-Round Application

Washington's outdoor heat exposure rule applies year-round — not just in summer. Protections are triggered whenever temperatures reach threshold levels, regardless of the month or season.

High-Heat Rest Requirements

Cold-Weather PPE Rule (52°F)

When non-breathable PPE such as chemical-resistant coveralls is required, heat illness protections apply at temperatures as low as 52°F. Employers must account for the additional heat burden created by this gear.

Close Observation / Buddy System

During high-heat conditions (90°F+), employers must implement a close observation protocol — such as a buddy system or regular supervisor check-in — to monitor workers for early signs of heat illness.

Anti-Retaliation

Exercising rights under WAC 296-62-095 is fully protected under Washington law. Employers may not retaliate against workers for requesting rest breaks, water, shade, or any other heat illness prevention measure. Report concerns to L&I at 1-800-423-7233.

Water & Shade

Workers have the right to at least 32 oz (one quart) per hour of water at 60°F or cooler, provided by the employer at no cost. Workers also have the right to access shade when temperatures reach or exceed 80°F.

Rest Periods

When working in heat at or above 95°F, workers are entitled to mandatory 10-minute rest breaks every 2 hours in a shaded or cool area. These breaks are in addition to any meal periods.

Anti-Retaliation

Exercising any right under the Colorado Agricultural Labor Rights and Responsibilities Act (ALRRA) is fully protected by law. Employers may not discharge, demote, suspend, or otherwise retaliate against workers for exercising these rights.

Free Legal Support

Workers in Colorado can access free legal assistance through Colorado Legal Services. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact Colorado CDLE (cdle.colorado.gov) or call 1-800-423-6321.

Hazard Classification

Under Minnesota Rule 5205.0110, heat stress is classified as a "Harmful Physical Agent." Employers are required by law to inform workers of this hazard, including the nature, effects, and symptoms of heat-related illness.

WBGT Stop-Work Thresholds

Minnesota applies Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) limits that vary by workload. When WBGT thresholds are exceeded, work in those conditions must be modified or stopped. The employer's Heat Illness Prevention Plan specifies the exact thresholds for each work type.

Training & Acclimatization

Employers must provide training on heat illness recognition and prevention, and a graduated acclimatization schedule for new or returning workers before assigning full-intensity work in heat conditions.