Protecting Your Workforce Against Occupational Heat Stress.
SafeGuard is the “easy button” for complying with current OSHA heat regulations
Heat kills. It can also make work harder. That’s why it’s critical to track key worker and environmental data to ensure heat isn’t posing a serious threat.
In high-risk environments, SafeGuard intelligent guardian technology and compatible wearables provide cutting-edge heat stress protection to keep safety at the forefront while optimizing productivity and streamlining compliance.
Protecting Your Workforce Against Occupational Heat Stress.
SafeGuard is the “easy button” for complying with current OSHA heat regulations
Heat kills. It can also make work harder. That’s why it’s critical to track key worker and environmental data to ensure heat isn’t posing a serious threat.
In high-risk environments, SafeGuard intelligent guardian technology and compatible wearables provide cutting-edge heat stress protection to keep safety at the forefront while optimizing productivity and streamlining compliance.
Why Care About Heat Stress?
#1 cause of death among all weather-related hazards in the US is heat stress
50% to 70% of outdoor fatalities occur in the first few days of working in hot environments due to lack of heat acclimatization
73% of workers perceive heat as a barrier to productivity
OSHA Standard for Heat Stress: How SafeGuard Handles Compliance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving forward with its federal standard to prevent heat-related injury and illness in indoor and outdoor work settings. The standard, currently in the finalization process for 2026, mandates that employers develop a comprehensive Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) to evaluate and control heat hazards. It also introduces strict liability for employers to protect workers once specific temperature thresholds — known as heat triggers — are reached.
New OSHA Heat Regulations: The Two-Trigger System
Under the new standard, employer obligations are activated by two distinct thresholds: the Initial Heat Trigger (Heat Index or WBGT of 80°F) and the High Heat Trigger (90°F). To remain compliant, employers must:
- Conduct Precise Environmental Monitoring: accurate tracking of Heat Index or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to identify when triggers are met.
- Implement Mandatory Rest Breaks: Provide paid, 15-minute rest breaks every two hours when the High Heat Trigger (90°F) is reached.
- Manage Acclimatization: Enforce graduated exposure protocols for new and returning workers to build heat tolerance safely.
- Maintain a Written HIPP: Document site-specific heat hazard evaluations, emergency response procedures, and training records.
How SafeGuard Ensures Compliance
By automating the measurement of Heat Index and WBGT, SafeGuard helps you identify exactly when OSHA’s Initial and High Heat Triggers are met, ensuring your team takes action before a violation occurs.
| Provision | All Covered Employers | At or Above Initial Heat Trigger | At or Above High Heat Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
Supported By SafeGuard Today | |||
Identify heat hazards | |||
Training for employees and supervisors | |||
Recordkeeping | |||
Effective communication means with employees | |||
Rest breaks (minimum 15 minutes every 2 hours) | |||
Supervisor or buddy system to observe for signs and symptoms | |||
Hazard alert | |||
| Provision | All Covered Employers | At or Above Initial Heat Trigger | At or Above High Heat Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
Supported By SafeGuard Today | |||
Identify heat hazards | |||
Training for employees and supervisors | |||
Recordkeeping | |||
Effective communication means with employees | |||
Rest breaks (minimum 15 minutes every 2 hours) | |||
Supervisor or buddy system to observe for signs and symptoms | |||
Hazard alert | |||
Planned SafeGuard Support (Coming Soon) | |||
Heat illness and emergency response procedures | |||
Heat injury and illness prevention plan (HIIPP) | |||
Drinking water | |||
Break area | |||
Indoor work area controls | |||
Acclimatization plan for new or returning workers | |||
Rest breaks (if needed) | |||
What Can Workplace Heat Stress Prevention Save You?
Companies that adopt SafeGuard potentially stand to save at least $200,000 in heat-related costs and productivity loss, if not more.
Heat Stress In The Headlines
Construction's Heat Crisis: New Survey Results Highlight the Reality of Heat Stress
www.perryweather.com
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Heat Stress Impacts Workers and the Bottom Line
www.hsph.harvard.edu
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High Temperatures Browbeat US as Regulators Discuss New Heat Protection Rule for Workers
www.investigatemidwest.org