Washington heat illness prevention plan requirements
Yes. Washington requires employers, including construction contractors, to keep a written heat illness prevention plan under WAC 296-62-095. WAC 296-62-095: applies year-round at 80°F (52°F in non-breathable clothing); paid cool-down rest of 10 min every 2 hours at 90°F, 15 min every hour at 100°F.
Last verified: 2026-07-07.
The rule at a glance
| Written plan for contractors | Required |
|---|---|
| Rule | WAC 296-62-095 |
| Coverage | Outdoor (year-round) |
| In effect since | July 17, 2023 (permanent rule) |
| Trigger | 80 degrees F, high-heat procedures at 90 degrees F |
What your written plan must contain
To be compliant in Washington, your written plan must cover these elements, matched to WAC 296-62-095:
- ✓ 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 Washington require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Yes. Under WAC 296-62-095, Washington employers must keep written heat illness prevention procedures. WAC 296-62-095: applies year-round at 80°F (52°F in non-breathable clothing); paid cool-down rest of 10 min every 2 hours at 90°F, 15 min every hour at 100°F.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in Washington?
Precautions step up at 80 degrees F, with high-heat procedures at 90 degrees F. WAC 296-62-095: applies year-round at 80°F (52°F in non-breathable clothing); paid cool-down rest of 10 min every 2 hours at 90°F, 15 min every hour at 100°F.
▸What else do Washington 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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