Arizona has taken a major step forward in protecting workers from extreme heat. The Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, created by Executive Order from Governor Katie Hobbs in May 2025, has officially delivered its final recommendations to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA). Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) President and CEO Rick Murray served as a member of the Task Force, contributing his experience in occupational safety to this collaborative statewide effort.Addressing a Long-Standing Gap
The Task Force was established to address the growing threat of heat-related illness and injury across Arizona’s diverse workplaces. Despite recording some of the hottest summer temperatures in the country year after year, Arizona has relied largely on general safety standards and enforcement programs rather than clear, statewide workplace heat protections. With one in five workers employed in heat-exposed industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, and with longer, hotter summers becoming the norm, the need for consistent guidance has become increasingly urgent.
The Task Force, convened by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH), included safety experts, worker advocates, industry leaders, and public health professionals. Together, the group evaluated scientific data, employer practices, and the unique environmental challenges faced across Arizona’s many regions.
Governor Hobbs commended the group’s work, stating:
“Every worker should come home safe at the end of their shift. These recommendations, built with input from safety and industry leaders, represent an important step toward that goal.”
Recommendations to Keep Workers Safe
Among the Task Force’s 11 key recommendations are proposals to:
- Provide mandatory heat safety training for both employees and supervisors
- Implement heat stress prevention plans based on temperature thresholds
- Increase access to water, shade, and rest breaks during high-heat conditions
- Develop acclimatization protocols for new or returning workers
- Improve incident tracking and reporting for heat-related illness
The full list of recommendations can be viewed here.
“I was proud to serve on the Governor’s Workplace Heat Safety Task Force and appreciated the chance to bring a practical, safety-first perspective into the conversation,” says Murray. “Heat has long been a recognized hazard, and Arizona faces unique challenges with its variety of climates and industries. This is a positive step forward for worker protection in our state.”
ACNSC is proud to have contributed to this initiative and remains committed to advancing safety education, training, and best practices that reduce preventable injuries in Arizona workplaces.
Stay tuned for future updates as the Industrial Commission of Arizona reviews the recommendations and determines implementation pathways for employers statewide.