Oregon Heat Illness Prevention Plan Requirements
Oregon OSHA’s heat rule, OAR 437-002-0156, applies when the heat index reaches 80 degrees F: employers must provide access to shade and enough cool drinking water for each employee to consume 32 ounces per hour. At a heat index of 90 degrees F, employers must also implement a written heat illness prevention rest break schedule (at minimum 10 minutes every two hours or an equivalent), a written acclimatization plan, effective observation and communication, and emergency medical procedures. All exposed employees and supervisors need annual heat illness training.
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 to workplaces where the heat index reaches 80 degrees F, except buildings kept below that by mechanical ventilation. Unconditioned indoor spaces like attics and buildings under construction are covered.
▸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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