Arizona to Recognize Employers Protecting Workers from Heat Illness

New state program will certify companies that exceed heat safety recommendations

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The Industrial Commission of Arizona has launched a new program called THERMAL to recognize employers in the state who excel in protecting their workforce from heat-related stress and illness. By demonstrating efforts that exceed the state's newly released heat safety recommendations, employers can receive the THERMAL certification from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Why it matters

Arizona has seen a rise in heat-related illnesses among workers in recent years, prompting the state to issue new workplace heat safety guidelines. The THERMAL program aims to incentivize companies to go above and beyond basic requirements to support the health and safety of their employees during extreme heat conditions.

The details

The THERMAL certification program stems from an Executive Order issued last year by Governor Katie Hobbs. It allows the state to commend employers who 'go above and beyond basic requirements to support the health, safety and welfare of their employees with regard to heat safety.' Since the development of Arizona's Heat State Emphasis Program in July 2023, the state has seen a decrease in heat-related illnesses in the workplace, and hopes the THERMAL program will further reduce these incidents.

  • The Industrial Commission of Arizona launched the new THERMAL program in January 2026.
  • Arizona's Heat State Emphasis Program was developed in July 2023.

The players

Industrial Commission of Arizona

The state agency that oversees workplace safety and launched the THERMAL certification program.

Katie Hobbs

The Democratic Governor of Arizona who issued an Executive Order in 2025 that led to the creation of the THERMAL program.

Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)

The state agency that will administer the THERMAL certification program.

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The takeaway

The THERMAL program demonstrates Arizona's commitment to protecting workers from the growing threat of heat-related illnesses, especially as extreme heat events become more frequent due to climate change. By incentivizing employers to go above and beyond basic safety requirements, the state hopes to set a new standard for workplace heat safety that can be replicated across the country.