As temperatures continue to rise across Pennsylvania and much of the United States, heat-related illness remains an important workplace health and safety concern.
Pennsylvania lawmakers, labor leaders, advocates, and workers recently called for passage of House Bill 1580, legislation intended to establish statewide workplace heat protections.
The bill has not been enacted and currently awaits a vote in the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee. If approved, Pennsylvania would join California, Colorado, Maryland, and Minnesota in adopting heat regulations intended to protect workers. The state-level effort also comes as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues rulemaking on a proposed federal Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard for outdoor and indoor work settings. OSHA published the proposed rule in August 2024, and the post-hearing comment period concluded in October 2025.
Proposed Workplace Heat Protections
House Bill 1580 was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rep. Jim Haddock. The legislation would require employers to implement heat illness prevention plans during extreme heat. Under the proposed bill, a “high-heat condition” is defined as a heat index of 80°F or higher. The proposed plans would include:
- Paid rest breaks
- Access to water and shade
- Education on the signs and symptoms of heat illness, including heat stroke
- Training on emergency response procedures
The legislation would also protect workers from retaliation or discrimination related to complaints, seeking care for heat-related symptoms, or refusing to work in extreme heat. Supporters of the bill have emphasized that heat exposure can affect employees across many work settings, including restaurants, construction sites, schools, manufacturing facilities, farms, warehouses, and transportation operations.
A Broader Regulatory Focus on Workplace Heat
Pennsylvania’s proposal is part of a broader regulatory focus on hazardous heat exposure. OSHA’s proposed federal standard would apply to outdoor and indoor work across general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture where OSHA has jurisdiction. Under OSHA’s federal proposal, covered employers would be required to develop a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards. OSHA states that the proposed standard is intended to clarify employer obligations and reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities associated with hazardous heat exposure. Because OSHA’s rule remains proposed rather than final, employers should continue monitoring the rulemaking process and any state-level developments that may affect their operations.
What Could This Mean for Pennsylvania Employers?
House Bill 1580 has not become law, and it does not currently create new statewide heat requirements for Pennsylvania employers. However, the bill, its Senate companion, and OSHA’s ongoing federal rulemaking demonstrate continued attention to heat-related workplace hazards. Organizations with employees working outdoors or in hot indoor environments may benefit from reviewing whether their existing programs address:
- Access to water, rest, shade, and appropriate cool-down areas
- Employee and supervisor training on heat illness recognition and prevention
- Emergency response procedures for suspected heat-related illness
- Methods for evaluating workplace heat conditions and employee exposures
- Acclimatization and additional precautions for new or returning workers
A proactive approach can help organizations reduce risk, strengthen heat illness prevention practices, and prepare for potential changes in state or federal requirements.
Contact RHP Risk Management to Reduce the Risk of Heat Stress in Your Workplace
RHP’s team of experienced Industrial Hygienists supports employers in identifying and understanding heat=related risks as well as in developing and implementing effective occupational health and safety programs.
To learn more about RHP’s expertise in heat stress, explore insights from Rod Harvey, P.E., CIH, CSP, CHMM. He shares warning signs, training, and practical solutions on the Missouri Employers Mutual podcast, and covers OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on heat hazards, along with prevention strategies, controls, training, and related litigation on the Greenberg Traurig podcast.
Contact RHP to schedule an initial consultation, or call (866) 481-8188.