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Virginia is developing a workplace safety standard to help protect workers from heat illness in both indoor and outdoor workplaces.
The 2026 General Assembly enacted legislation requiring the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt a Heat Illness Prevention Standard by May 1, 2028. The standard will establish requirements for employers to help prevent heat-related illness, including providing drinking water, access to shade or climate-controlled areas when practicable, rest breaks, acclimatization, employee training, emergency response procedures, and additional protections during high-heat conditions. (§ 40.1-44.2. Standards for heat illness prevention)
Developing the Standard
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), under the direction of the Safety and Health Codes Board, is developing the proposed standard through Virginia’s regulatory process. As part of this process, the Department is gathering technical information, stakeholder perspectives, and public input to help inform the proposed regulation.
There will be multiple opportunities for public participation throughout the rulemaking process. One such opportunity is to participate in a Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP), which will provide technical input as DOLI develops the proposed standard.
Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP)
The Heat Illness Prevention Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP) will provide technical expertise, practical experience, and stakeholder perspectives to advise DOLI as it develops the proposed Heat Illness Prevention Standard. The panel’s recommendations will help inform the Department’s work.
DOLI has received nominations for participation on the RAP. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination or recommended an individual for consideration.
We are currently reviewing the nominations and working to form a panel that includes a diverse range of perspectives, backgrounds, industries, and experience. Additional information regarding the RAP will be shared once the panel has been finalized.