Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 288 into law, which requires the Safety and Health Codes Board, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to develop and adopt regulations requiring employers to implement standards for heat illness prevention by May 1, 2028.

Such standards shall include requirements for employers to provide – for indoor and outdoor work – water, access to shade or climate-controlled environments when practicable, rest periods, acclimatization to working in heat, and effective training regarding heat illness prevention. High-heat procedures must be implemented when temperature equals or exceeds thresholds to be set by the Board.

Exemptions shall be made for heat exposure during the provision of emergency services, and heat exposure lasting no longer than 15 consecutive minutes. However, the bill specifically mentions that independent contractors are still covered by these heat standards.