Extreme Temperatures Worker Protections

Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
707 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 | 303-318-8441
www.ColoradoLaborLaw.gov | www.LeyesLaboralesDeColorado.gov

Interpretive Notice & Formal Opinion ("INFO") #24:
Extreme Temperatures Worker Protections

Overview

On August 12, 2026, H.B. 26-1272 took effect, requiring the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics ("Division"), over the next two years, to begin collecting data about temperature-related injuries, illnesses, and emergencies concerning workers or worksites, and to develop a model temperature-related injury and illness prevention plan ("TRIIPP") for publication.

Background

Due to ongoing climate change and the increasing severity of extreme weather and temperatures — including extreme heat, extreme cold, drought, and wildfire — the state of Colorado has found it necessary to provide guidance to workers who regularly work in environments that may be affected by such conditions, and to employers who must provide protections to those workers. These guidance measures are part of the state of Colorado's ongoing initiative, which, since 2011, has been ensuring Coloradans are aware of the potential impacts of working in extreme conditions. These new measures are implemented in response to the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation's finding that indoor and outdoor workers in Colorado are 52% more likely to experience injury during extreme temperature events.

Data Collection

On or before January 15, 2027, the Division will develop a platform on its website for users to report instances of temperature-related injury, illness, and other emergencies in workspaces.

To collect this data, the Division will work with:

• The Department of Public Health and Environment, using its existing tracking systems to track instances of temperature-related injury, illness, or emergencies;
• The Division of Workers' Compensation, at least twice annually to collect information concerning claims for workers' compensation that involve temperature-related injury, illness, or emergencies; and
• The Center for Improving Value in Health Care or a successor organization, at least twice annually, to collect information regarding temperature-related injury, illness, or emergencies.

Development of Model TRIIPP

On or before July 1, 2028, the Division will develop a TRIIPP model that includes written procedures for:

• Providing workers access to cool, potable drinking water at no cost;
• Providing workers access to cool-down or warm-up rest areas;
• Monitoring workplace temperature conditions;
• Acclimatizing new or returning workers during their first fourteen days of assignment;
• Training workers to recognize signs and symptoms of temperature-related injury and illness;
• Responding to temperature-related medical emergencies; and
• Other components and exemptions as necessary.

The TRIIPP model will be available on the Division's website to view or to download upon its publication. The TRIIPP model will be updated by the Division as needed or at least every five years.

For More Information: Visit the Division website, call 303-318-8441, or email [email protected].

INFOs are not binding law, but are the officially approved Division opinions and notices on how it applies and interprets various statutes and rules. The Division continues to update and post new INFOs; email [email protected] with any suggestions. To be sure to reference up-to-date INFOs, rules, or other material, visit ColoradoLaborLaw.gov.

Last updated: October 8, 2026