Pennsylvania House Bill 1580 was introduced, which would require employers to implement protections against extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. The bill directs the state’s Labor Secretary to develop regulations aligned with OSHA and standards in states like Maryland, Oregon, and California.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Mandatory training on heat-related risks
• Emergency response planning
• Paid rest breaks and access to shade
• Acclimatization protocols
• Special precautions for employees with preexisting conditions or elevated risk

If passed, the legislation would establish the Heat Protection Enforcement Fund and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Pennsylvania joins a growing number of states focusing on occupational heat safety. As OSHA continues to develop federal standards, state-led bills like this continue to appear across the country, hoping to reduce workers’ comp exposure and improve workplace health outcomes.