Bill > S2571

This bill establishes new occupational safety and health standards to protect farmworkers from the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and excessive heat. The legislation recognizes the increasing dangers of extended wildfire seasons and rising temperatures, which have significant impacts on outdoor workers, particularly farmworkers. The bill requires agricultural employers to provide protective equipment like N95 respirators when air quality is dangerous, and cooling facilities and water when temperatures become excessive. Employers must also provide mandatory training in workers' primary languages about how to use protective equipment, the potential health impacts of smoke and heat exposure, and the signs of heat-related illness. The bill mandates rest breaks of at least 10 minutes every hour in shaded or cooler areas when air quality or temperature reaches dangerous levels. The Secretary of Labor is required to develop a comprehensive standard within 90 days of enactment, ensuring protections are at least as strong as the most protective state-level standards. Additionally, the bill requires collaboration with community organizations to develop training materials, especially for workers facing language or geographic barriers. The overall goal is to reduce health risks and potential fatalities among farmworkers exposed to hazardous environmental conditions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2571/all-info