Minnesota heat illness prevention plan requirements
Minnesota sets indoor workplace temperature limits (about 68 to 77 degrees F for light office work), a comfort and ventilation rule rather than a heat illness prevention plan, so it does not create an outdoor construction plan obligation.
Last verified: 2026-07-07.
The rule at a glance
| Written plan for contractors | Not required by state law |
|---|---|
| Rule | Minn. R. 5205.0110 |
| Coverage | Indoor temperature and ventilation |
| In effect since | 1997 |
What your written plan must contain
Minnesota 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 Minnesota require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Minnesota has no dedicated state heat rule for contractors. Federal OSHA still enforces heat hazards through the General Duty Clause and inspects proactively under its Heat National Emphasis Program.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota 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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