Virginia heat illness prevention plan requirements
Not yet. Virginia does not currently require a written heat plan for construction, but one is on the way: Heat illness bills signed April 13, 2026; Safety and Health Codes Board directed to write indoor and outdoor standards. Until it takes effect, Virginia 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 | Standard due by May 1, 2028 |
What your written plan must contain
Virginia 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 Virginia require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Not yet for construction. Heat illness bills signed April 13, 2026; Safety and Health Codes Board directed to write indoor and outdoor standards. Until then, federal OSHA enforces heat through the General Duty Clause and its Heat National Emphasis Program.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in Virginia?
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 Virginia 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
Get a Virginia heat plan built for your crew
Answer a short questionnaire and get a written heat illness prevention plan with verified citations, delivered in minutes for $49.
Keep exploring
All state heat rulesHeat rule checkerHeat illness prevention planState requirements quiz