With summer temperatures on the way, both Oregon and Washington OSHA heat illness prevention rules are now in effect. If you haven’t reviewed your compliance program yet, now is the time.
Both states have closely aligned standards that apply whenever the heat index reaches 80°F or above. Here’s what’s required:
Water and Shade Workers must have access to shade and cool or cold drinking water — at least 32 oz. per hour, per worker.
Written Plans Employers are required to maintain a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan that includes acclimatization procedures for new or returning workers.
Training Annual training must be documented for both supervisors and employees covering heat illness recognition, prevention, and emergency response.
Rest Breaks Mandatory rest breaks kick in at higher temperatures: 10 minutes every 2 hours at 90°F+, and 15 minutes every hour at 100°F+.
For full details and compliance resources, visit:
- Oregon OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance: Oregon OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance
- Washington L&I Outdoor Heat Exposure Rules: Washington L&I Outdoor Heat Exposure Rules
Questions about compliance? Contact Barry Moreland, Director of Safety at the NECA-IBEW Training Center: bmoreland@nietc.org
