A Comparative Analysis of State Workplace Extreme Temperature Policies
Extreme heat is an escalating public health and economic crisis, with workers facing some of the most severe risks. In industries where employees are exposed to high temperatures, lack adequate cooling, or engage in strenuous labor, the dangers of heat-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities are increasing. Beyond the health impacts, extreme heat leads to significant economic consequences, with the U.S. economy losing an estimated $100 billion annually due to heat-induced productivity declines.
Mitigating these risks is both feasible and necessary. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed federal workplace heat standards, the current federal regulatory landscape makes it unclear whether these standards will be implemented. In the absence of national protection, seven states (California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) have enacted workplace heat safety standards to fill this gap.
In February 2025, Illinois joined these proactive states by introducing the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act in the General Assembly. While the bill’s future remains uncertain, its introduction marks a significant step toward safeguarding workers from the growing threats of extreme temperatures.
Read our latest policy brief to learn how the Illinois legislation compares to other similar state policies.
