Oregon heat illness prevention plan requirements
Yes. Oregon requires employers, including construction contractors, to keep a written heat illness prevention plan under OAR 437-002-0156. OAR 437-002-0156: shade and water at heat index 80°F; written rest-break schedule, acclimatization plan, and emergency plan at heat index 90°F.
Last verified: 2026-07-07.
The rule at a glance
| Written plan for contractors | Required |
|---|---|
| Rule | OAR 437-002-0156 |
| Coverage | Indoor and outdoor (separate agriculture rule) |
| In effect since | June 15, 2022 |
| Trigger | 80 degrees F, high-heat procedures at 90 degrees F |
What your written plan must contain
To be compliant in Oregon, your written plan must cover these elements, matched to OAR 437-002-0156:
- ✓ 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 Oregon require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Yes. Under OAR 437-002-0156, Oregon employers must keep written heat illness prevention procedures. OAR 437-002-0156: shade and water at heat index 80°F; written rest-break schedule, acclimatization plan, and emergency plan at heat index 90°F.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in Oregon?
Precautions step up at 80 degrees F, with high-heat procedures at 90 degrees F. OAR 437-002-0156: shade and water at heat index 80°F; written rest-break schedule, acclimatization plan, and emergency plan at heat index 90°F.
▸What else do Oregon 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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