Some states rolling back worker heat protections

Several states have removed or weakened heat protection rules for workers in recent years. Florida eliminated its heat illness prevention standard in 2023. As of 2024, only California, Minnesota, and Washington have mandatory heat standards that require employers to provide water, rest breaks, and shade when temperatures exceed specified thresholds. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no nationwide heat standard, though it can cite employers under general safety provisions.

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