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ARTICLE · 10 APRIL 2026

OSHA Updates and Extends its Heat Program for Five More Years

Littler Mendelson
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OSHA has issued an updated National Emphasis Program targeting heat-related hazards in 55 high-hazard industries, expanding its enforcement focus to include 22 newly identified sectors. The program directs inspectors to conduct random heat inspections during weather service warnings and to evaluate heat prevention programs during routine inspections on days when the heat index reaches 80 degrees or higher.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Felicia K. Watson
Felicia K. Watson
Peter Vassalo
Peter Vassalo
Catherine Seidelman
Catherine Seidelman
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While OSHA has not yet finalized its pending heat regulation, the agency has signaled that targeting heat-related hazards will nonetheless remain an enforcement priority. On April 10, 2026, OSHA issued an updated National Emphasis Program (NEP) for outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards: CPL 03-00-024 NEP - Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards. The previous NEP, first published in 2022 and extended in 2025 for an additional year, expired on April 8, 2026. 

According to an OSHA press release, the updated Heat NEP will “direct agency resources where they can make the biggest impact—focusing inspections and outreach in industries and workplaces where heat stress risks are most likely to occur.” Specifically, the NEP sets forth a “target list” of 55 “high-hazard” industries. While 33 of these industries were part of the previous NEP, OSHA has added 22 new industries to its list. New targeted industries include, but are not limited to, plastic product manufacturing, metalworking

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