Arizona heat illness prevention plan requirements
Not yet. Arizona does not currently require a written heat plan for construction, but one is on the way: No heat regulation. In April 2026 the Industrial Commission of Arizona approved heat safety guidance and an updated Heat State Emphasis Program, not an enforceable rule. Until it takes effect, Arizona contractors fall under the federal framework.
Last verified: 2026-07-07.
The rule at a glance
| Written plan for contractors | Not yet (rule coming) |
|---|---|
| Rule | OSH Act 5(a)(1) + OSHA Heat NEP |
| Coverage | General Duty Clause (no dedicated state standard) |
| In effect since | Heat NEP renewed April 2026, through April 2031 |
| Expected | In progress |
What your written plan must contain
Arizona does not mandate a written plan for contractors today, but OSHA can still cite heat hazards under the General Duty Clause, and a written plan built on the same core elements is the recognized way to abate them:
- ✓ Access to fresh, cool drinking water close to the work area
- ✓ Shade or another means to cool down during rest
- ✓ Paid preventative cool-down rest breaks
- ✓ An acclimatization plan for new employees and those returning after time away
- ✓ Emergency response procedures for heat illness, including how to summon aid
- ✓ Training for employees and supervisors before heat work and each season
- ✓ Written heat illness prevention procedures kept with the safety program
Common questions
▸Does Arizona require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Not yet for construction. No heat regulation. In April 2026 the Industrial Commission of Arizona approved heat safety guidance and an updated Heat State Emphasis Program, not an enforceable rule. Until then, federal OSHA enforces heat through the General Duty Clause and its Heat National Emphasis Program.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in Arizona?
There is no fixed state trigger. As a practical benchmark, OSHA treats a heat index of 80 degrees F as the point to step up precautions and 90 degrees F and above as high risk.
▸What else do Arizona contractors need besides a heat plan?
General contractors and prequalification portals such as ISNetworld and Avetta typically require a company-wide written safety program, a site-specific safety plan per project, and job hazard analyses, regardless of state heat law.
Official sources
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Heat rules in other states
States with a written-plan rule, a limited-scope rule, or a rule on the way, each with its own breakdown. See the full comparison.
CaliforniaOregonWashingtonNevadaMarylandColoradoMinnesotaVirginiaNew MexicoIllinois
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