OSHA Shade Requirements: What Counts as Adequate Shade

The Definition of Shade

Shade means blockage of direct sunlight. It must be open to the air or provided with ventilation/cooling.

Capacity Requirements

You must have enough shade to accommodate ALL employees on recovery or meal periods at the same time.

Common Violations

• Using hot vehicle cabs (unless AC is running).
• Shadow of equipment (unsafe).
• Shade that requires climbing or unsafe access.