Pennsylvania Lawmakers Consider Heat Protections for Outdoor Workers

Recently introduced legislation would require Pennsylvania employers to put heat illness prevention plans in place for extreme heat conditions.

The state’s lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental advocates and outdoor workers recently convened to call for the passing of House Bill 1580, which would establish regulations for employers to protect employees from heat-related injury or heat-related illness caused by heat stress.

The bill would also impose duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry, establish the Heat Protection Enforcement Fund, and impose penalties for noncompliance.

Introduced by Representatives Elizabeth Fiedler and Jim Haddock, H.B. 1580 would require employers to provide paid rest breaks during extreme heat, along with water and access to shade, education on signs and symptoms of heat illness, and training on emergency response procedures, according to a statement from Fiedler’s office.

Companion legislation was introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate. The House bill now awaits a vote in the House Labor & Industry Committee.

“All workers share the desire to earn a good wage and support their families, whether they cook food in kitchens, build our commonwealth’s infrastructure on construction sites, or teach kids in classrooms. But Pennsylvania’s lack of heat protections is threatening that goal and endangering workers,” said Fiedler, in a statement.

“This bill provides basic safety measures for all Pennsylvania workers, regardless of sector or workplace, so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each day.”

According to Fiedler’s statement, the House bill has backing from “a broad coalition of stakeholders,” including unions, environmental advocates, physicians and farmers. These supporters say the bill’s passage would benefit workers from across Pennsylvania’s workforce, including public sector employees who work outdoors.

“It is a fundamental right of employees everywhere to work in a safe environment,” said Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto, in a statement.

“As temperatures are rising across the globe, hardworking Pennsylvanians are no exception to the increased risk of heat-related illness. With no set standards put forth legislatively at the federal level, Pennsylvania must step up to protect its workforce.”