Bill > S2422

This bill establishes a new occupational heat stress standard and an "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries. The DOLWD Commissioner is required to create rules for this standard by June 1, 2025, which will mandate employers to develop and implement heat-related illness and injury prevention plans. These plans must include procedures for monitoring heat exposure, providing adequate water and rest breaks in cool areas, having emergency response protocols, limiting heat exposure duration, implementing heat alert programs during heat waves, and utilizing engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls. Employers will also need to provide annual training on heat-related illness risks, symptoms, and prevention, with special training for supervisors. The bill also mandates record-keeping of heat-related incidents and environmental data, and prohibits employer retaliation against employees who exercise their rights under this act, with provisions for administrative penalties, civil actions, and stop-work orders for violations. An amusement park is specifically exempted from these requirements.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2422