Bill > A5022

This bill establishes an "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in New Jersey to protect workers from heat-related health risks, requiring employers to develop comprehensive heat stress prevention plans by June 1, 2025. The legislation recognizes the growing danger of heat, noting that 18 of the last 19 years were the hottest on record, and that heat is a leading weather-related killer causing serious health issues for workers. The bill mandates that employers create written plans that include initial and regular heat exposure monitoring, providing cool water, paid rest breaks, access to shade or cool areas, emergency response procedures, and limiting employee heat exposure. Employers must also provide annual training to employees about heat-related illness risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies, with additional specialized training for supervisors. The bill includes strong anti-retaliation provisions protecting workers who report heat-related concerns and allows for administrative penalties up to $2,000 per employee for violations. Some exemptions apply for certain types of work covered by collective bargaining agreements and specific industries like emergency services. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development will be responsible for enforcing the standard, with the commissioner authorized to investigate compliance, issue stop-work orders, and assess penalties. Notably, the bill applies to both outdoor and indoor workplaces and covers workers across various industries who may be exposed to excessive heat.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5022