Bill > S0153

This bill creates the Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act, which aims to safeguard employees from occupational injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. The legislation requires employers to develop comprehensive written prevention plans that address both high and low temperature workplace risks, with specific provisions for when temperatures reach certain thresholds. For hot environments, employers must provide shade or cool break areas, access to water, communication methods, and graduated work exposure for new employees, with increasing requirements as temperatures rise above 80, 90, and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, for cold environments, employers must provide warm break areas, protective equipment, and monitoring protocols when temperatures fall below 60 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill mandates that employers conduct annual employee training on temperature-related health risks, create emergency response plans, and establish communication systems for employees to report concerns. The law applies to most workplaces in Vermont, with exceptions for certain types of work and short-duration exposures, and includes protections against employer retaliation for employees exercising their rights under the act. The legislation is set to take effect on May 1, 2027, giving employers time to develop and implement the required workplace protections.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.153