May 19, 2026

NFIB highlights why overreaching heat standard harms small business

Unnecessary regulations on small businesses stifle their ability to grow and operate. NFIB submitted a statement for the record to Congress highlighting the efforts small businesses nationwide take to protect workers in warm weather without one-size-fits-all rules implemented by government agencies.

Nearly 90% of NFIB members oppose the new OSHA Heat Standard, which would force small businesses to comply with unrealistic measures, including:

• Mandatory 15-minute paid breaks per two hours of work 

• Implementing engineering and work practice heat control measures  

• Training personnel on emergency response plans 

• Supervising all workers for heat-related symptoms 

• Tracking and retaining worksite temperature and employee break records for at least 6 months 

Congress should support the Heat Workforce Standards Act, which would protect small businesses from the blanket mandates and compliance burdens that a federal heat standard would implement.

Read the full testimony sent to the U.S. House Committee for more insight on how this heat standard affects small business.

Take Action: Tell lawmakers how additional regulations harm your small business.