NJ Proposes AB 5022 to Protect Workers from Heat
It gets hot in many parts of the United States. The summertime can be brutal for construction workers and others who work outdoors. In fact, many people become ill and even die from heat-related issues.
Between 1992 and 2022, 986 workers died from heat exposure in the United States alone. The construction industry accounted for one-third of these fatalities.
To combat this issue, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had discussed creating a federal heat safety standard. However, none currently exists and it is unknown when the federal government will take action.
Therefore, it is up to the states to take action. On November 18, 2024, New Jersey lawmakers proposed legislation, AB 5022. If this bill is signed into law, New Jersey would be the fifth state in the country to implement this kind of worker protection.
While New Jersey employers are currently required to keep safe working environments under OSHA’s general duty clause, this is not enough. This requirement is broad and largely unregulated. Plus, it lacks specific guidelines for heat-related risks.
If AB 5022 passes, New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development would ensure employers take action when their staff are exposed to heat danger. Employers would be required to do the following:
- Monitor temperature conditions. Employers must track heat levels and be aware of when they exceed safe thresholds.
- Provide water and rest breaks. Workers must have immediate access to water and be allowed to take breaks during excessive heat.
- Postpone non-essential tasks. Certain activities may need to be delayed until temperatures cool down.
- Use heat illness prevention plans. Businesses must create and maintain programs that address the risks of heat.
Risks of Working in the Heat
When temperatures rise, workers can have a hard time. Here are some risks to be aware of:
- Heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion is a huge risk, with symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Heatstroke is a severe condition where the body loses the ability to regulate temperature, potentially leading to organ failure. Heat cramps result in painful muscle cramps caused by loss of electrolytes through sweating.
- Working in the heat increases sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, confusion, and dark urine.
- Sunburn and skin damage. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can result in sunburn, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- Heat can cause physical and mental fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Respiratory issues. Hot environments with poor air quality, dust, or chemicals can exacerbate breathing difficulties.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Construction workers and others often have to work in the heat. This can be a dangerous situation, leading to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.
Hopefully the new bill will cut down on these conditions. Still, if you have been injured in the workplace, make sure you seek legal help. A Morristown workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assess your case and help you get economic and non-economic damages. Get started with a consultation. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
natlawreview.com/article/nj-takes-bold-step-protect-workers-heat-related-risks-bill-ab-5022
