NAHB Urges Flexibility in Potential OSHA Heat Stress Rules
NAHB recently submitted formal comments on a potential new workplace standard being considered by OSHA to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. NAHB feels the regulation is unnecessary, but should it proceed, OSHA needs to ensure companies have flexibility in compliance options.
OSHA announced in October 2021 that it is considering a new standard that would “more clearly set forth employer obligations and the measures necessary to protect employees more effectively from hazardous heat.” The agency has revealed potential contours of a new rule, including a few specifics, but has not issued a formal proposal yet.
OSHA convened Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panels last fall to get feedback from small businesses on the impact a heat safety standard might have on their operations. Over two weeks in September, 82 small businesses, including at least one NAHB member, participated in video conference calls.
A report from those panels made specific recommendations to OSHA on how to best tailor a heat injury standard to have the least impact on small businesses. NAHB’s most recent comments addressed the recommendations from the small business panel report.
NAHB strongly supports regulations that protects construction workers from illness, injury and death. But the current contours of the potential heat stress standard are largely unworkable, confusing and rigid.
For example, OSHA is considering heat triggers at specific temperatures to signal to business owners when new requirements kick in. A temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit could trigger new “high-heat” safety requirements, including mandating specific amounts of water per worker. Several NAHB members who primarily work in the southwest and other regions indicated the proposed temperature is reached during a majority of days throughout the year, making a nationwide high-heat trigger temperature impractical.
NAHB supports allowing businesses to have the ability to choose from multiple compliance options and the ability to select the best methods for protecting their employees from extreme heat hazards in ways that are workable, flexible and cost-effective.
When considering the subcontractor-heavy nature of residential construction, NAHB strongly urged OSHA to establish that each employer on site is responsible for providing water to its own workers as part of any heat-related standard.
Read the full comment letter. NAHB also signed on to a similar comments letter submitted by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, whose members include dozens of other construction-related trade associations.
A new potential heat stress standard from OSHA would have a profound impact on the home building industry. NAHB will remain engaged in the rulemaking process at every step.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sep 29, 2025
Students Can Register Now for Career-Forming Competition at IBSThe Student Competition is an opportunity for up-and-comers to apply their skills to real construction situations by completing a management proposal. Registration closes on Oct. 14.
Sep 26, 2025
Podcast: Countdown to Shutdown - Will Congress Act?On the latest episode of NAHB's podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discuss the potential of a government shutdown, the latest economic data, and upcoming events NAHB members don't want to miss.
Latest Economic News
Sep 26, 2025
2025 Second Quarter State-Level GDP DataReal gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 48 states in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Sep 26, 2025
State/Local Property Tax Revenue Share Falls for Third Straight QuarterIn the second quarter of 2025, property tax revenue for state and local governments recorded a new high, although it decreased as a share of total tax revenue.
Sep 25, 2025
Mortgage Rates Continue Downward Trend in SeptemberAverage mortgage rates in September trended lower as the bond market priced in expectations of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.35%, 24 basis points (bps) lower than August.