2025 -- H 5305

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LC000638

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Furtado, McNamara, Stewart, Shanley,
Casimiro, Alzate, McEntee, Potter, and Cruz

     Date Introduced: February 05, 2025

     Referred To: House Labor

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1.1 of the General Laws entitled "Division of Occupational

Health" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-1.1-18. Extreme temperatures employee protection.

     (a) As used herein, the term “extreme temperatures” means temperatures at or above ninety

degrees Fahrenheit (90° F), or at or below thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (32° F).

     (b) Employers shall implement plans and conduct business activities to prevent and reduce

exposure of employees to extreme temperatures. These plans and activities shall include, but not

be limited to, the following:

     (1) Employees shall have access to paid rest breaks, adequate shade, warming or cooling

stations, drinking water, personal protective equipment, and other protections from extreme

temperatures in regard to heat and cold.

     (2) Pursuant to a program established in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c)

of this section, employers shall require supervisors and managers to:

     (i) Complete the department of health’s online public tutorial program quarterly to

recognize the signs of overexposure to hot and cold temperatures, such as injuries and illnesses

caused by extreme temperatures, and ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is

available such as hats, gloves, winter coats, cooling vests, and sunscreen as appropriate for the

extreme temperatures; and

     (ii) Ensure that heating and cooling equipment is maintained and functional.

     (3) Further protections shall be established for employees who work in vehicles.

Employees who spend more than sixty (60) minutes in vehicles, or whose workplace is considered

a vehicle, shall have adequate insulation and heating/cooling equipment within the vehicle to

protect the occupants from extreme heat or cold.

     (4) Further protections shall be established for employees who work in a warehouse.

Employees who spend more than sixty (60) minutes in a warehouse, or whose workplace is

considered a warehouse, shall have adequate insulation and heating/cooling equipment within the

warehouse to protect the employees from extreme heat or cold.

     (5) Further protections shall be established for employees who work outdoors, including,

but not limited to, construction sites, farms, vineyards, recreation, and fishing sites. Employees who

spend more than sixty (60) minutes outdoors, or whose workplace is considered outdoors, shall

have adequate heating and cooling equipment within the working space to protect the employees

from extreme heat or cold.

     (6) Pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, free and effective training on temperature

safety shall be provided quarterly for employees who work in a warehouse, in vehicles, or outdoors,

including, but not limited to, construction sites, farms, vineyards, recreation, and fishing sites. This

training shall take place quarterly during work hours and include the following elements:

     (i) Inform and assist employees to identify the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of cold

stress and heat related illnesses and the necessary medical responses;

     (ii) Inform the employees of the paid rest breaks, adequate shade, warming or cooling

stations, drinking water, personal protective equipment, heating and cooling equipment, and other

protections which shall be provided;

     (iii) Outline and clarify the employer's procedures for monitoring temperature conditions

and provide workers with the ability to participate in the monitoring process; and

     (iv) Demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment, such as hats, gloves,

winter coats, cooling vests, sunscreen, and related protective equipment.

     (c) The department of health shall create and implement an online public tutorial program

for supervisors and managers to recognize the signs of overexposure to hot and cold temperatures,

such as injuries and illnesses caused by extreme temperatures, and ensure that appropriate personal

protective equipment is available, including hats, gloves, winter coats, cooling vests, and sunscreen,

as appropriate for the extreme temperatures.

     (d) For any employer to discharge employees or discriminate against them resulting from

the failure of an employer to implement or perform any of the duties required by this section shall

be an unlawful employment practice in addition to the provisions of § 28-5-7.

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     (e) The department of health may promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to

implement and administer this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

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     This act would require employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through

rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandate training, to recognize and mitigate heat-

and cold-related risks. The act would require the department of health to establish and implement

the training program.

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2026.

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