OSHA Updates Heat National Emphasis Program

OSHA revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards on April 10, 2026. The update removes previous numerical goals for ramping up inspections and instead directs resources to about 55 high-risk industries based on recent injury and illness data. The program continues to prioritize outreach and inspections on high-heat days but remains a flexible enforcement tool under the General Duty Clause, with no new compliance requirements for employers.

NPGA has consistently advocated for practical, scalable heat safety measures tailored to propane operations rather than burdensome nationwide mandates. NPGA joined the Coalition for Workplace Safety in submitting January 14, 2025, comments on OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard. The coalition opposed the overly prescriptive rule and called for it to be significantly revised or withdrawn in favor of a more flexible, performance-based approach. This mirrors NPGA’s earlier engagement through the Coalition on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking stage.

The separate proposed rule remains stalled and has not been finalized.

Questions? Contact Director of Regulatory Affairs and Associate General Counsel Kate Gaziano.