Costa Rica executive Decree No. MTSS-017-2015 of the President of the Republic, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Labour and Social Security

In 2015, the Costa Rican Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Ministry of Health adopted a regulation specifically aimed at protecting outdoor workers from heat stress (Republic of Costa Rica 2015). This law was a response to studies highlighting the prevalence of chronic kidney diseases among farmworkers in Central America.

It requires employers to implement several protective measures, including educating their workers on the health effects of heat stress, supplying PPE, allowing time for workers to acclimatize to high temperatures, providing rehydrating drinks and ensuring shaded areas for rest. Additionally, workers are required to be part of a health surveillance programme, which focuses on monitoring kidney health and function.