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 requirements for these safety programs, including training for supervisors and employees on recognizing and responding to heat illness, providing access to drinking water and shade, and implementing high-heat procedures when necessary. It also defines key terms related to heat illness and sets forth the responsibilities of both employers and employees.
Additionally, the bill requires annual training on heat illness for all employees and supervisors, ensuring that training materials are available in multiple languages. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is tasked with adopting rules to implement the provisions of this section, including the establishment of approved training programs and a certification process for employers. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.