Substitute Senate Bill No. 830 aims to enhance safety standards for preventing heat-related illnesses among employees, particularly those working outdoors in industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill mandates that employers provide shade areas when outdoor temperatures exceed eighty degrees, ensure access to potable drinking water, and allow reasonable breaks for employees to cool down. Employers are also required to monitor employees for signs of heat illness and implement emergency response procedures, including first aid measures and a medical plan for rapid assistance. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "drinking water," "emergency medical service," and "heat illness," while deleting previous language that may not align with the new provisions.
In addition to outdoor regulations, the bill establishes requirements for indoor work environments, mandating employers to monitor and record indoor temperatures, provide cool-down areas, and ensure access to drinking water when temperatures exceed eighty-two degrees. Employers must implement control measures when temperatures reach eighty-seven degrees, which may include engineering and administrative controls. The bill also emphasizes the importance of acclimatization practices for new or returning employees, training on heat illness, and emergency procedures. Notably, the bill exempts employees involved in emergency operations that protect life or property and has been revised for clarity and consistency in its language.