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 safeguards like shade, water, and rest; written heat illness prevention plans from each employer; and heat training for workers and supervisors.

Following the announcement of the new law, the BlueGreen Alliance released a statement from Vice President of Health Initiatives Charlotte Brody:

“It’s 85°F today, April 14. Virginia summers are getting longer and hotter making it more and more necessary to have robust standards to protect workers from heat-related illness. Better safeguards mean less workplace incidents, and emergency room trips. Better safeguards will enable working people to make it home to their families at the end of the day.”

“Thank you to the advocates and lawmakers who fought to pass these bills in Virginia, and to Gov. Spanberger, who shares our commitment to workers and ensuring their safety on the job.”