Require Heat Safety Protections to Outdoors Workers

 

This act is made to protect outdoor workers from heat related illnesses and to combat exhaustion along with risks of

heat strokes by ensuring workers get rest, shade, and water during periods of extreme heat.

 

Minnesota is finding summers to have higher daily averages and more frequent heatwaves while outside work seems to

increase as well. Workers are at an increased risk of dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke which can cause major

health problems. A way of mitigating these risks is giving workers mandatory breaks where they can rest, rehydrate, and

go under shade.

 

Outside Worker: Any employee who is required to work outside for more than 30 minutes in a shift and/or whose job duties

require frequent and lengthy stays in outdoor environments.

Heat Advisory Day: Any day on which the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, or

excessive heat warning.

Cooling Break: A rest period allowing workers access to water, shade, or a designated cooling area.

 

All amenities will be funded by the employer. To support implementation the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

using existing workplace health and safety funds for the first six-months.

 

Employers who are found in violation with the terms above will be fined a minimum of $3500 which will go to the

Minnesota Department of Labor and Safety. Repeating violations of this act will result in increased fines and mandatory

safety training sessions.

 

This act shall take effect six months after the date of the bills passage to allow employers to develop plans and

schedule training for workers.