Delayed vote on indoor heat safety in California
A bill is making its way through the California government that would protect workers from dangerous indoor temperatures, but faces skepticism and resistance from the state. The bill passed the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board and will need to win the approval of the state’s Department of Finance before it can continue to move forward. The California Labor Federation, which represents 1,300 unions, has been pushing for the state to approve the new regulations and protect its workers but there is currently no timeline for when the bill will be put forward, leaving it in limbo.
The new regulations proposed by the bill would set temperature requirements in various work settings including warehouses and schools. It would require employers to provide cooling devices when the temperature indoors reached 87 degrees, or 82 degrees where employees are required to wear heat-restrictive clothing. It would also require cooling stations and access to water for workers to take breaks. The government’s main objection to the bill is the cost to implement the program.
See "Delayed vote on indoor heat safety in California", Alexandra Martinez, Prism, April 5, 2024