A bill co-sponsored by Orlando lawmakers aims to protect the 1.8 million outdoor workers in Florida from the increasingly hot summers. The bill, House Bill 35, would require employers to have a state-approved heat exposure safety program, including training, breaks, water, shade, and communication about heat conditions.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani emphasized the necessity of the bill due to rising temperatures and the prevalence of outdoor work in Florida’s largest economies. Co-sponsor State Rep. Rita Harris highlighted the benefits of a statewide approach to heat safety regulations, making it easier for businesses to navigate while keeping workers safe.
The bill is particularly important for Hispanic and noncitizen workers who make up a significant portion of Florida’s outdoor workforce. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was also reviewing rules for heat injury and illness prevention, with an average of 40 American workers dying each year from exposure to environmental heat.