A proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Heat Standard threatens small businesses with layers of compliance burdens and red tape. This rule would impact nearly all small businesses, including in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and more.

NFIB released an Issue Brief detailing key features of the proposed heat standard, how it affects small businesses, and what small business owners are saying about this burdensome rule. If implemented, this rule would force small businesses to undertake further heat control measures, heat illness and emergency response plans, train personnel, implement new paid break mandates, and take on additional administrative work that many small businesses do not have the staff or resources to fulfill.

NFIB also released a podcast episode covering this issue in-depth, featuring NFIB member Kevin Ciak and U.S. Representative Mark Messmer, who discuss how the heat standard affects businesses and employees. Rep. Messmer is the champion of the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025, which NFIB recently sent a letter to Congress to show support. If enacted, this legislation would prevent the proposed heat standard from being finalized and prevent a future administration from pursuing a similar regulation.

With nearly 90% of NFIB members firmly against the newly proposed OSHA Heat Standard rule, small businesses urge Congress to take action to fight this burdensome regulation. Read the press release, the full Issue Brief, and listen to the podcast episode for further insight on this unnecessary mandate.

Take Action: Share with Congress how this new heat standard would impact your small business.