Lawmakers in New Jersey on Monday read through the latest version of carryover legislation from 2023 that would create a heat standard for workers, calling on businesses to provide water, breaks and shade for those working in high temperatures.
S.B. 2422, which was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, calls on the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create and enforce rules for employers on or before June 1, 2025.
In addition to providing water and shade, such rules would include regular heat monitoring, paid breaks and heat acclimatization practices, and limits to heat exposure throughout the workday. The measure also includes rules for maintaining records on heat-related illnesses and deaths and language on anti-retaliation for workers who report unsafe conditions.
The bill also includes parameters for fining and prosecuting employers, with fines of up to $5,000 per day under certain conditions and sentences of up to 100 days.