25 LC 60 0084
House Resolution 393
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63
rd
, Davis of the 87
th
, Scott of the 76
th
, Jackson of the
68
th
, Drenner of the 85
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Urging the General Assembly to enact the Workplace Safety and Heat Protection Act
1
(LC 46 0977) to safeguard workers from extreme heat conditions that endanger their health2
and economic security; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, Georgia workers, particularly those in the construction, manufacturing,4
agriculture, transportation, and warehousing sectors, are increasingly exposed to extreme5
heat conditions due to rising temperatures and required outdoor exposure; and6
WHEREAS, prolonged exposure to high temperatures has been linked to serious health risks,7
including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, cardiovascular strain, and even fatality,8
disproportionately impacting workers in physically demanding jobs; and9
WHEREAS, the current lack of enforceable workplace heat protection standards exacerbates10
economic vulnerabilities, as work absences due to heat related illness result in loss of wages,11
financial instability, and increased healthcare costs for workers and their families; and12
WHEREAS, according to economic studies, workplace injuries and illnesses from extreme13
heat result in significant productivity losses, increased workers' compensation claims, and14
H. R. 393
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a reduced labor force, which cumulatively harm Georgia's economic growth and
15
competitiveness; and16
WHEREAS, labor unions and advocacy organizations have emphasized the necessity of17
comprehensive heat protection policies, including mandated rest breaks, access to hydration,18
cooling stations, and employer provided protective measures to mitigate heat related hazards;19
and20
WHEREAS, similar protections adopted in other states have demonstrated that workplace21
safety measures not only improve worker health but also bolster economic stability and22
reduce the burden on healthcare and social safety nets.23
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that24
the members of this body urge the General Assembly to enact the Workplace Safety and Heat25
Protection Act (LC 46 0977) to establish enforceable workplace heat protection standards,26
including, but not limited to:27
(1) Defining extreme heat conditions as workplace conditions with a heat index28
exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit or other thresholds as determined by the federal29
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as of January 1, 2025; and30
(2) Requiring employers to implement a heat illness prevention program designed to31
mitigate heat related risks through prevention, training, and emergency responses for32
employees working in extreme heat conditions.33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the35
Governor, the Commissioner of Labor, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and all members36
of the Georgia General Assembly.37
H. R. 393
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