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HB 1092

Protection of employees; standards for heat illness prevention, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rae Cousins and 6 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requiring employers to implement heat illness prevention standards including hydration access, rest breaks, and monitoring during high-temperature work conditions.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 731 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1092

Legislative bill overview

HB 1092 establishes mandatory heat illness prevention standards for employers in Virginia, requiring workplace safety measures during high-temperature conditions. The bill sets requirements for employee protections such as rest breaks, hydration access, and heat acclimation protocols to prevent heat-related injuries and deaths.

Why is this important

Heat illness causes preventable worker deaths and hospitalizations, particularly affecting outdoor workers, construction employees, and those in non-air-conditioned facilities. Clear state standards create uniform protections across industries and establish employer accountability for worker safety during extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Employers may face expenses implementing cooling stations, providing frequent breaks, and monitoring employee conditions, particularly affecting small businesses with limited resources
  • Operational impact: Mandatory rest breaks and work restrictions during peak heat could reduce productivity, affect project timelines, and create scheduling challenges in time-sensitive industries
  • Definition and trigger points: Disagreement over what temperature thresholds trigger requirements and how to account for humidity, acclimatization periods, and varying job types may create implementation ambiguity
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how violations will be monitored, reported, and penalized, and whether penalties adequately deter non-compliance without being excessive

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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