HR393: HR393 General Assembly; enact Workplace Safety and Heat Protection Act; urge

25 LC 60 0084 House Resolution 393 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Davis of the 87th, Scott of the 76th, Jackson of the 68th, Drenner of the 85th, and others A RESOLUTION Urging the General Assembly to enact the Workplace Safety and H eat Protection Act1 (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 constructio n, manufacturing,4 agriculture, transportation, and warehousing sectors, are incre asingly 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 worke rs' compensation claims, and14 H. R. 393 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0084 a reduced labor force, which cumulatively harm Georgia's econom ic growth and15 competitiveness; and16 WHEREAS, labor unions and advocacy organizations have emphasize d 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 w i t h a h e a t i n d e x28 exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit or other thresholds as determin ed 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 e mergency 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 avai lable 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 - 2 -