Phoenix approves heat rules to protect outdoor workers
Photo: Bruce Yuanyue Bi/gettyimages
Phoenix — The Phoenix City Council on March 26 unanimously passed an ordinance requiring contractors and subcontractors who work with the city to have a written safety plan that addresses severe heat.
Last summer, Phoenix had 31 consecutive days with temperatures above 110° F.
The heat mitigation safety plan must include:
- Easy access to rest, shade and potable water.
- Access to air conditioning in vehicles with enclosed cabs by May 1, 2025.
- Training on recognizing and preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses.
The new ordinance is part of the city’s overall Heat Response Plan. Last summer’s heat caused a record-high 395 deaths, according to the Maricopa County Department of Health.
“This ordinance is a critical first step toward getting workers lifesaving protections and holding employers accountable for safety during heat season,” Katelyn Parady, a Phoenix-based worker health and safety expert with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said in a press release.
The plan must be kept on file by the contractors or subcontractors.
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