Bill

Bill > HF742


IA HF742

IA HF742
A bill for an act establishing requirements relating to heat response in work areas and providing penalties.


summary

Introduced
03/05/2025
In Committee
03/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill establishes requirements relating to heat response in work areas. The bill requires an employer to provide a shaded area to an employee whose working conditions regularly involve outside work with direct exposure to the sun. The bill provides requirements for shaded areas, including requirements for the location of such areas and the time at which such access must be provided. The bill requires an employer to provide drinking water at no cost to an employee whose working conditions involve regular exposure to a heat index of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The bill provides requirements for the quantity, time, and location at which drinking water must be provided. The bill requires an employer to implement high-heat procedures when the heat index reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit in an area where an employee is performing work. The bill provides requirements for such procedures including minimum rest periods and cooling and control measures. The bill is enforced by the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing. An employer that violates the provisions of the bill shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation. The bill provides procedures for collection of such penalties.

AI Summary

This bill establishes comprehensive heat protection requirements for workers in Iowa, creating a new chapter of law focused on preventing heat-related illnesses. The bill requires employers to provide shaded areas for employees working outside with direct sun exposure, with specific guidelines about the location, size, and configuration of these areas. When the heat index reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must provide free drinking water (at least 32 ounces per hour) and implement high-heat procedures that include mandatory rest periods: 10 minutes every two hours when the heat index is between 90-100 degrees, and 15 minutes every hour when the heat index is above 100 degrees. Employers must also monitor employees for signs of heat-related illness and communicate high-heat procedures in a language all employees can understand. Alternative cooling methods can be used if they can effectively protect workers from heat-related risks. The bill defines key terms like "heat index" and "alternative cooling and control measures" and establishes that violations can result in civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, which will be enforced by the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing. The goal of the legislation is to protect workers' health and safety in high-temperature working conditions.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce. H.J. 512. (on 03/05/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...