Us Congress House Bill HB4897

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/26/23
• Refer: 7/26/23

Caption

Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2023

Impact

The implementation of HB4897 would require employers to adopt comprehensive protective programs that may involve engineering controls to limit heat exposure, administrative practices such as adjusting work schedules, and providing personal protective equipment. This represents a significant change in workplace safety regulation as it focuses directly on mitigating risks associated with heat-related health hazards. The Secretary of Labor is instructed to prioritize employee safety when creating these standards, which could lead to more stringent workplace safety regulations than currently exist.

Summary

House Bill 4897, titled the 'Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2023', is designed to mandate the Secretary of Labor to establish occupational safety and health standards that specifically aim to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses. The bill outlines specific employer duties to maintain a work environment that minimizes the risk of heat stress, as well as compliance with regulations set forth under this Act. It emphasizes the need for protective measures that address both environmental and personal factors contributing to heat-related issues in the workplace.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve worker safety, it may also face resistance from some employers due to the potential increase in operational costs related to the implementation of these safety measures. Concerns may arise about the financial burden of compliance, particularly for small businesses. Additionally, the timeline for the Secretary to establish these standards is set at one year from the enactment of the bill, which could lead to discussions about the feasibility and practicality of such swift regulatory changes.