What happened?

On March 26, 2024, the Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance requiring all city contractors and subcontractors to develop a Heat Safety Plan.

What are the details? 

Key bites: 

• Covered entities: the new requirements apply to all contracts, licenses, and leases between the City and the contractor, licensee, lessee, and contracts between the contractor and its subcontractors, sublicensees, and sublessees with workers that perform work in an outdoor environment.

• The minimum requirements of the Heat Safety Plans are: 
  • Free cool drinking water: Employers must provide free and cool drinking water to workers throughout their work shifts.
  • Regular and necessary breaks: Workers should be allowed to take regular breaks, including water breaks, to prevent heat stress.
  • Access to shade and/or air conditioning: Employers must provide access to shade or air-conditioned spaces for workers to take breaks and cool down.
  • Air conditioning in vehicles with enclosed cabs: Vehicles with enclosed cabs must have air conditioning to protect workers from heat (deadline is May 25, 2025).
  • Acclimatization practices: Employers must have practices in place to help workers acclimate to the heat, especially those who are new to working in hot environments or returning from time off.
  • Training on heat illness and injury: Employers must provide training to workers on recognizing the signs of heat illness and injury, and what to do if they or a coworker are experiencing symptoms.
  • Be in writing: Contractors are also required to create and keep on file a heat safety plan.

Business Considerations 

• Create a Heat Safety Plan that complies with the minimum requirements. 
• Provide your employees with personal protection equipment (PPE) designed to mitigate heat hazards and risks. 
• Train your employees in heat hazards and dangers (like heat stress), according to the requirements of the law. 

Resources

• Phoenix Heat Safety Ordinance
• Associated General Contractors of America: Construction Association Letter 
• City of Phoenix Heat Safety Resources

Source References

• Phoenix passes worker heat safety ordinance amid rising heat, deaths (Industry Dive)
• Phoenix passes landmark rule requiring heat protection for outdoor workers (Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies.)
• Phoenix Heat Ordinance a “Critical First Step” to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat, says National COSH (COSH)
• Phoenix passes heat safety ordinance for city contractors (BNP Media)

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