Virginia must set water, shade, and rest rules for workers in heat

Virginia is writing its first enforceable rules to protect workers from heat illness. A 2026 law requires the state’s Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt them by May 1, 2028. Under those rules, employers must give workers water, shade or a cooled space when practicable, rest breaks, time to get used to the heat, and training. Employers must also follow extra procedures when temperatures reach the limits the board sets, and must have a plan for emergencies.

The rules will cover indoor and outdoor jobs. They protect employees and also independent contractors and other workers whose worksite an employer controls. You don’t need to apply. The state’s job-safety program will enforce the rules the same way it enforces its other safety standards. Some emergency work, such as firefighting and rescue, is exempt, and so is heat exposure that lasts 15 minutes or less.

The rules aren’t in force yet. The Department of Labor and Industry has started the rulemaking, and a 28-member panel of workers, employers, and safety experts is helping draft them.

Del. Phil Hernandez of Norfolk carried the bill in the House of Delegates, and Sen. Lashrecse Aird carried the identical Senate bill. After the two chambers worked out their differences, the final version passed the Senate 21–18 and the House 61–35. Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed it on April 13, 2026.