Oregon Heat Illness Prevention Plan Requirements
Oregon OSHA’s heat rule, OAR 437-002-0156, applies whenever the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees F, indoors or outdoors. At that 80 degree level employers must provide shade, drinking water at no cost with enough for each employee to consume up to 32 ounces per hour, a written acclimatization plan, an emergency medical plan that addresses heat, a written heat illness prevention plan, and annual training for all exposed employees and supervisors. The 90 degree level adds high-heat practices: effective communication, observation for signs and symptoms, a designated employee authorised to call emergency services, and one of three rest-break options the employer selects. Note that the acclimatization plan and the emergency medical plan are 80 degree duties, not 90 degree ones. Employers whose employees perform "rest" or "light" workloads are exempt from most of the rule whenever the heat index is below 90.
The two trigger levels
- ✓ Heat index 80 degrees F: shade access, 32 ounces of drinking water per employee per hour, training in place
- ✓ Heat index 90 degrees F: written rest break schedule (10 minutes per 2 hours minimum), buddy system or effective observation, communication for lone workers, and a supervisor or designee trained in emergency medical response
- ✓ Written documents Oregon expects: the rest break schedule, the acclimatization plan, and the emergency medical plan
Details contractors miss
Oregon’s rule keys on HEAT INDEX, not air temperature: 85 degrees with high humidity can cross the 90 degree heat index threshold. The acclimatization plan must address new workers, workers returning from a week or more away, and sudden heat waves. Buildings with mechanical ventilation that keeps the heat index below 80 degrees are exempt, but attics, crawl spaces, and unconditioned buildings under construction are not.
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Common questions
▸Does the Oregon heat rule apply to indoor work?
It applies wherever the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees F, except buildings kept below that by mechanical ventilation. Unconditioned indoor spaces like attics and buildings under construction are covered. Note also that employers whose employees perform "rest" or "light" workloads are exempt from most of the rule whenever the heat index is below 90.
▸What counts as an acceptable rest break schedule?
Oregon OSHA publishes minimum schedules; the baseline at a heat index of 90 or above is at least 10 minutes of rest every two hours, increasing with heat. Your written schedule may be more protective, never less.
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