Jurisdiction resources / United States
Working alone in Colorado
A starting point for agricultural heat safety.
Authority and scope
Agricultural heat safety
Colorado’s Agricultural Labor Conditions Rules address heat safety for covered agricultural work. Rule 3.5 safety procedures apply when a worksite temperature of at least 80°F is reasonably expected at any point in the calendar year, including on cooler days. Requirements and exceptions for other heat protections depend on the work and conditions. The rule is not a general working-alone standard.
This is one starting point for the work described, not a complete list of state or federal requirements. Check which agency and rules apply to the employer and task.
Put the guidance to work
Questions for your plan
Does the agricultural work fall within the rule, and how will workers outside others’ presence communicate, obtain help and be monitored for heat illness?
What to review
Review coverage, temperature conditions and applicable exceptions, as well as water, shade, rest, training and emergency response. Rule 3.5 requires effective communication and monitoring for signs of heat illness; regular phone or radio contact with an employee outside others’ presence is one monitoring option. Electronic communication depends on reliable reception; when regular communication is unavailable, employers must establish methods for well-being contact and emergency medical access. A remote check-in alone is not the full heat protection program.
Some work requires another person on site. Remote monitoring does not replace that requirement or the organization's own assessment, training and emergency procedures.
Explore remote work and limited coverageCheck the current source
Official sources
Sources listed November 4, 2026. Links and requirements can change.
Discuss your work
Talk through your team's plan
Be Safe can explain how check-ins, human monitoring and Emergency Contacts fit your team's work. Your organization remains responsible for determining its requirements and procedures.
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