There is still no final federal heat standard, but heat is a recognized hazard and some states already have detailed rules for water, shade and rest. California's rule is the most specific one we can point to, so this page uses it as the benchmark. It also covers the planning side: where the water, ice and restrooms go so crews actually use them.
Where the rules stand
OSHA published a proposed heat injury and illness prevention rule on August 30, 2024. The comment period closed January 14, 2025, an informal public hearing ran June 16 to July 2, 2025 and the post-hearing comment period ended October 30, 2025.1 As of our check on November 3, 2026, OSHA's rulemaking page still describes it as a proposed rule. Some states have their own standards, so check your state plan before you set up a job.
Two federal construction rules already apply to every site. Employers must supply an adequate amount of potable water, in labeled containers with a tap or similar closure, and must provide toilets in numbers that depend on headcount.2 Our drinking water guide and OSHA toilet guide cover those in detail.
A state benchmark
California's outdoor heat illness standard is the most specific rule in the country that we found and verified. Even where you are not in California, it is a practical template for a heat plan.3
| Topic | What the rule says | On a jobsite |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Potable water free of charge, as close as practicable to the work. If not plumbed, one quart per employee per hour for the whole shift, available at the start | Plan the full shift supply before the crew arrives, and refill points close to each work area |
| Shade | Above 80°F, shade at all times while employees are present, close to the work, with room for everyone on rest or meal periods to sit without touching. At 80°F or below, shade or timely access to it on request | Shade is part of the site plan, not an afterthought |
| Cool-down rest | Workers may take a preventative rest in shade whenever needed and may not be sent back until symptoms abate, and not sooner than 5 minutes after reaching shade | Supervisors need to know a worker who asks for shade is following the plan |
| High heat procedures | At 95°F or above, to the extent practicable: communication, observation, a designated emergency caller, reminders to drink water and pre-shift meetings | Build the 95°F steps into your morning meeting |
| Acclimatization | Close observation during a heat wave, and for the first 14 days for newly assigned workers in a high heat area | Treat new crew and the first hot week as higher risk |
| Training and written plan | Training for workers and supervisors, and a written plan with water, shade, high heat, emergency and acclimatization procedures | Keep the plan on site in the language the crew speaks |
Tell us the crew size, the shifts and the site layout. We source water, ice and portable restrooms from local providers and keep them on one agreement.
The planning side
Rules aside, crews drink less, rest less and skip breaks when water, shade and restrooms are far away.
A single water station at the gate does not help a crew three floors up. Place water near each crew and plan refills for the whole shift.
Choose the spot for shade before the heat, big enough for the whole crew on a break. See the construction site checklist.
People drink more and use restrooms more on hot days. Check the count with the portable toilet calculator and ask about service frequency.
Ice keeps water drinkable through the shift. Know who calls for help, how, and where the nearest medical care is.
Common questions
Not yet. OSHA published a proposed rule on August 30, 2024, and its rulemaking page still describes it as proposed. Ordinary OSHA water and toilet rules apply today, and some states have their own heat standards.
California's rule requires one quart per employee per hour for the whole shift where water is not plumbed. Use it as a planning minimum, and plan more for the heaviest work.
California requires shade above 80°F, near the work and big enough for everyone resting. Other states differ, so check your state plan. Planning shade is good practice anywhere.
In California, shade is required above 80°F and the high heat procedures apply at 95°F and above. Federal numbers are not final.
California requires training for workers and supervisors before work that could expose them to heat illness. It is good practice everywhere.
Yes. We source water, ice and portable restrooms through local providers. Call sales at (888) 588-2607 with the site and crew size.
Local providers do the work; we hold the contract, own the problems, and send one bill. If a delivery gets missed, we contact the provider the same business day.
Read next
Sources