The proposed bill establishes a new section, 448.112, in the Florida Statutes focused on heat illness prevention for employees working in outdoor environments. It outlines the legislative intent to educate employers and employees about preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths. The bill applies to employers in industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping, requiring them to implement an approved outdoor heat exposure safety program. This program must include training for supervisors and employees on recognizing heat illness symptoms, providing first-aid measures, and ensuring access to cool drinking water and shade. Specific high-heat procedures are mandated when the outdoor heat index reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Additionally, the bill mandates annual training on heat illness for all employees and supervisors, with materials available in multiple languages. It specifies the responsibilities of employers, including ensuring access to drinking water and shade, and outlines the necessary actions to take when employees exhibit signs of heat illness. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is tasked with adopting rules to implement these provisions, including training programs and compliance certification. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.