OSHA revises heat emphasis program

OSHA revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards on April 10. Using OSHA and Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2022-2025, the agency will prioritize inspections in 55 “high-risk industries” in indoor and outdoor work settings.

The revised NEP introduces two reorganized appendices: one that includes information on how OSHA investigators will evaluate heat illnesses and prevention programs and another that provides citation guidance. The updated NEP also includes better guidance designed to strengthen tracking procedures and more effectively implement the program’s enforcement and outreach efforts.

Compliance officers will provide outreach and compliance assistance and broaden inspections if heat hazards are found on heat priority days. Additionally, random inspections will occur on days when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning.

The revised NEP remains in place for 5 years after the effective date.