The Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act (S.153) is designed to protect employees from health risks associated with extreme temperatures in the workplace. It requires employers to create and implement a comprehensive protection plan that addresses temperature-related hazards, emphasizing acclimatization for new and returning employees. The bill mandates that employers provide adequate communication, access to potable water, and designated break areas to reduce the risks of heat and cold-related illnesses. Additionally, it specifies that when temperatures exceed certain thresholds, employers must provide rest breaks, monitor for symptoms of temperature-related illnesses, and ensure that work vehicles are equipped with appropriate climate control.

The bill introduces several new provisions, including the requirement for work vehicles to have functioning heating systems that maintain a temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for employees working in them for extended periods. It also mandates at least a 15-minute rest break every two hours in a designated warm-up area when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with specific conditions regarding compensable work assignments. Employers must develop an emergency response plan, provide training on temperature-related injuries, and protect employees from retaliation for exercising their rights under the new regulations. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on May 1, 2027.