Virginia legislators voted late on Friday to create heat protection standards for workers in the Commonwealth. Advocates said the passage of HB 1092—sponsored by Delegate Phil Hernandez—and SB 288—sponsored by Senator Lashrecse Aird—will protect thousands of working people from heat-related illness. The legislation directs the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board and the Virginia Department of Labor to set standards that require commonsense safeguards like shade, water, and rest; written heat illness prevention plans from each business; and heat training for workers and supervisors.

Following the bill’s passage, the BlueGreen Alliance issued a statement from the BlueGreen Alliance Vice President of Health Initiatives Charlotte Brody:

“This heat rule will save lives and protect indoor and outdoor workers from completely preventable illness. The summers are only getting hotter and longer, and these simple requirements will keep people out of the hospital and on the job. It’s a win for working people and a win for businesses. Thank you to the bill’s sponsors and for the tireless advocacy of workers, climate, and labor organizations, lawmakers, and faith organizations that made this legislation possible. Working together is what builds better job quality for workers and provides the protections they need to stay safe and healthy on the job.”

The BlueGreen Alliance is one of many members of the Fired Up for Heat Justice Campaign that championed heat protection legislation in Virginia.

AFT Virginia, ACLU People Power Fairfax, BlueGreen Alliance, ASA, Centreville Immigration Forum, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, Federation  of American Scientists (FAS), IBEW LU 464/Smurfit Westrock, Just Neighbors, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Legal Aid Justice Center, Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Progress Virginia, Public Citizen, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 400, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action, Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia Education Association, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (VALULAC), Virginia Organizing