Iowa Workers Left Without Heat Protections as Only 7 States Have Their Own Rules

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

As blistering summer temperatures continue gripping the Midwest and the nation, Iowa workers in construction, agriculture, and other outdoor industries face a growing risk of heat-related illness and death without specific state or federal protections. A new analysis reveals that only seven states have enacted enforceable occupational heat standards, leaving Iowa and most of the country relying on a patchwork of general workplace safety rules that critics say are insufficient.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, heat-related worker deaths have risen sharply in recent years. In 2021, extreme heat killed 36 workers nationally. That number climbed to 43 in 2022, 55 in 2023, and 48 in 2024. Many of these deaths occurred in construction and agriculture, two industries vital to Iowa's economy.

Despite these alarming trends, the federal government has not implemented a specific heat standard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide workplaces free of known hazards, but there is no legally binding federal rule that spells out when workers must get water, shade, or rest breaks due to heat.

Which States Have Heat Standards and What They Require

Only seven states have set their own enforceable occupational heat standards: California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Each state's rules vary in strictness and scope.

California has the toughest standard, effective July 2024, requiring employers to provide shade, fresh drinking water, recovery periods, and training when outdoor temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Indoor workplaces face similar requirements at 82 degrees.

Colorado recently enacted HB 26-1272, the Extreme Temperatures Workers Protection law, which takes effect August 12. It applies to all industries, not just agriculture, and requires temperature mitigation measures, rest breaks, and illness prevention plans.

Maryland's standard, effective September 2024, triggers employer heat plans at 80 degrees, with mandatory 10-minute breaks every two hours between 90 and 100 degrees, and 15-minute breaks per hour above 100 degrees.

Nevada's November 2024 standard uses a job hazard analysis approach rather than a specific temperature trigger. Minnesota limits indoor heat to 77 degrees for heavy work, 80 degrees for moderate work, and 86 degrees for light work. Oregon and Washington mandate cool-down rest periods and shade access at 80 degrees, with stricter rules above 90 degrees.

Iowa Among States Considering Heat Safety Legislation

During the 2025 legislative session, Iowa was one of at least 17 states that proposed legislation regulating heat safety standards. Others included Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.

While New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued an executive order last month directing local agencies to develop heat-illness-prevention guidance, similar local action is blocked in Florida and Texas. Both states passed laws prohibiting localities from creating heat protection rules not set by the state.

Federal Efforts Stalled Under Trump Administration

Under the Biden administration, OSHA proposed a federal heat standard in 2024, but those efforts were paused by the Trump administration. The current administration has been silent about its plan to address rising temperatures and worker safety.

Critics argue that without federal action, workers in states like Iowa remain vulnerable. Proponents of state-level standards say local rules can be tailored to regional climates and industries, but opponents worry about added costs for businesses.

What This Means for Iowa Workers and Employers

For now, Iowa employers must comply with OSHA's general duty clause, which requires them to address recognized hazards. But without specific heat standards, enforcement is inconsistent. Agricultural workers, who often labor in direct sun for long hours, are especially at risk.

Iowa's economy relies heavily on agriculture and construction, both of which involve significant outdoor work. As summer temperatures continue to rise, the debate over heat protections is likely to intensify in Des Moines and Washington alike.

Just The News Iowa will continue to monitor developments on this issue and report on any legislative action that affects Iowa workers and families.