The proposed bill establishes a new section, 448.112, in the Florida Statutes focused on heat illness prevention for employees working outdoors. It mandates that employers in industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping implement an outdoor heat exposure safety program approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for employers, including providing training on heat illness, ensuring access to drinking water, and maintaining shaded areas for employees during high-heat conditions. It also defines key terms related to heat illness and outlines the exceptions to the applicability of the law.
Additionally, the bill requires annual training for employees and supervisors on various topics related to heat illness, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the employer's safety program. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is tasked with adopting rules to implement the provisions of this section, including training programs and compliance certification. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.