Colorado Amends Heat Illness Prevention Rules for Agricultural Employers Effective 2026 - HR ALERTS

Colorado Amends Heat Illness Prevention Rules for Agricultural Employers Effective 2026

Effective: January 1, 2026

Colorado has amended its Agricultural Labor Conditions Rules (7 CCR 1103-15) to clarify heat illness prevention requirements for covered agricultural employers.

Key clarifications include:

• Employers must monitor heat conditions throughout the workday.

• Employers may monitor temperature by measuring conditions onsite, using a reliable weather source for the exact location, or allowing employees to measure and report conditions.

• Indoor, air-conditioned spaces may be used as an alternative to outdoor shade.

• The acclimatization period applies to an employee’s first four workdays when temperatures exceed 80°F, including for new hires and employees returning after extended absences.

Agricultural employers should review current heat safety practices to ensure compliance ahead of the 2026 implementation date.

Reference: 7 CCR 1103-15 

---

Get day-to-day updates on Colorado Amends Heat Illness Prevention Rules for Agricultural Employers Effective 2026 visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).