To view the full press release with the approved guidelines and a sample template program click “Read More” below…
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2026 |
| Industrial Commission of Arizona Approves Workplace Heat Safety Task Force Recommendations, Implements Employer Guidelines before Summer |
| Commission unanimously approves recommendations, implementing guidelines after a year-long stakeholder process, pursuant to Governor Hobbs’ Executive Order |
| Phoenix, AZ – Today, the bipartisan Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) unanimously voted to approve and implement all recommendations delivered by the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, created pursuant to Governor Hobbs’ Executive Order 2025-09. The unanimous vote directs agency staff to update the Heat State Emphasis Program (SEP), which outlines policies and procedures to protect employees from heat illness, to include improved employer guidance contained in the recommendations. Additionally, the Commission directed staff to evaluate the updated SEP and report on the effectiveness of the improved guidance before the end of the year. Governor Hobbs has demonstrated her ongoing dedication to protecting the lives and welfare of Arizona’s workforce, ensuring all workers return home safely, and proactively addressing the risks of extreme heat. Today’s action represents a critical step to further improve heat protection in the workplace. The Industrial Commission will take further steps ahead of the upcoming heat season to implement an employer recognition program, make a downloadable template heat plan available to all businesses on the ICA website, and continue data collection and reporting on the total number of heat-related complaints, injuries, fatalities, and citations. “Arizona workers deserve to be safe from heat risk in the workplace, and families should have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe at work,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “I want solutions that protect hardworking Arizonans, whether they’re constructing buildings, repairing roads, or growing crops. That’s why I directed the Industrial Commission of Arizona to form a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force composed of health and safety experts and labor, business, and advocacy leaders to develop best practices for employers. I applaud the Industrial Commission of Arizona, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force for advancing measures that will keep Arizonans safe. The Commission’s unanimous approval conveys a shared commitment to strengthening workplace safety.” “Today represents a historic step for the Industrial Commission and workplace safety in Arizona,” said Industrial Commission Chair Dennis Kavanaugh. “I want to commend Governor Hobbs’ leadership for bringing together business, labor, and community leaders on this important issue for the first time in the state’s history and developing practical, impactful recommendations for employers. These recommendations and additional steps by the Commission outlined by the Task Force will move the needle for workers across the state, keeping Arizonans safe and saving lives. ICA’s work is especially important as federal OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for heat-related hazards expired yesterday, on April 8.” The Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) will soon launch a recognition program for employers who go above and beyond to provide protection for their employees. The Thermal Hazard Exposure Risk Mitigation Achievement Leader (THERMAL) award will recognize employers with exceptional heat illness prevention programs. Additional resources for employers, including templates to draft heat illness prevention plans, can be found on the website here. “These guidelines position both employers and employees in Arizona to achieve a superior level of heat safety,” said ICA Director Gaetano Testini. “The Industrial Commission of Arizona remains committed to safeguarding the life, health, safety, and welfare of Arizona’s workforce through robust policies such as these guidelines.” “As a long-time advocate for Arizona employees, I know it is important to protect Arizona’s workforce, especially from heat-related illness,” said Commissioner Cecilia Valdez. “The workers are the backbone of the workforce and need employers to provide these resources and protections from heat illness. It is critical that our workforce is able to perform their jobs without unnecessary risks. Employers should provide the necessary resources to prevent heat illness.” Following the original issuance of the Heat SEP in 2023, the number of injuries in the workplace caused by heat has declined. Improving employer guidance in the SEP is expected to continue this trend, helping employers remain productive and employees stay safe. “Firefighters are willing to give everything to save a life,” said Commissioner Orion Godfrey, who also serves as fire captain. “In Arizona, extreme heat means that level of sacrifice isn’t limited to major incidents – it can be a factor during routine calls and even while training. The acclimatization recommendations from the task force are an important step towards changing that reality.” Furthering the Governor’s Executive Order, ADOSH will take the following additional actions: Public Data Reporting: Annual publication of data for heat-related claims, complaints, and citations to assess the impact of the recommendations, implementation, and educational initiatives. Providing Employer Resources: Providing downloadable template heat plans to assist employers, particularly small businesses, with putting safety measures into practice. Additional Resources: Workplace Heat Safety Task Force’s recommendations are here, approved today by the Industrial Commission. ICA and ADOSH have also published an FAQ on the Task Force and Executive Order. A Downloadable Heat Plan Template for employers is available here. ADOSH will continue to publish resources on heat illness prevention, including the aforementioned reports and templates, available at azica.gov/heat. Regards, The Industrial Commission of Arizona |