The proposed bill establishes an Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program within the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and mandates the creation of a heat stress standard by June 1, 2025. This standard requires employers to monitor heat exposure levels and implement a heat-related illness prevention plan that includes provisions for providing potable water, rest breaks, and emergency responses for employees affected by excessive heat. The plan must involve employee participation and be available in multiple languages, along with specific training requirements for employees and supervisors regarding heat-related illnesses. Employers are also required to maintain records related to heat exposure incidents and conduct annual reviews of their plans.

The bill includes protections against retaliation for employees exercising their rights under this act, establishing a rebuttable presumption of unlawful retaliation if adverse actions occur within 90 days of an employee asserting their rights. Employers found in violation may face administrative penalties, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 per employee for non-compliance. Certain operations, such as amusement parks and emergency services, are exempt from the requirements. The bill emphasizes that it does not diminish existing employee protections or collective bargaining rights, ensuring that current agreements are honored until their expiration. Additionally, it allows the Department of Agriculture to create a specific heat standard for commercial farm workers, aligning state law with any more favorable federal heat stress standards.