Small businesses strongly oppose the government restricting and regulating operations during warm temperatures. A new bill would stop the proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Heat Standard from being finalized. NFIB sent a letter to Rep. Mark Messner in support of the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025.  

Nearly 90% of NFIB members nationwide oppose federal regulations during warm weather at a worksite. Under the proposed OSHA Heat Standard, businesses would be subject to new training requirements, and business operations in weather above 80 degrees Fahrenheit would be subject to new government mandates, adding layers of interference and red tape for small businesses.   

This new regulation would impact business operations, forcing small businesses to undertake heat control measures, heat illness and emergency response plans, train personnel, and retain records without regard to regional climate differences or industry-specific job functions. Further, when temperatures reach 90 degrees, the regulation would mandate a new one-sized-fits-all paid 15-minute break for every two hours of work. 

Unlike larger competitors, small businesses often lack the resources for the additional training, planning, and implementation of blanket OSHA regulations. Read NFIB’s press release for a closer look at the effects this new OSHA regulation would have on small businesses nationwide.     

Take Action: Urge Congress to support the Heat Workforce Standards Act and stop this costly regulation.