TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 433, which would prohibit local government from implementing additional rules to protect workers from extreme heat.
If signed into law, cities and counties can’t require employers to allow water breaks and time to rest in the shade — they would be required to abide by state or federal regulations instead.
Jeanie Economos and Dominique O’Connor with the Farm Workers Association of Florida said this bill could severely impact the health and quality of life of construction workers, landscapers and farmworkers.
“It’s very upsetting and very disturbing,” Economos said.
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O’Connor said many of these employees work at fast paces while carrying heavy workloads.
She said when working in grueling conditions, it is important employees stay hydrated.
According to OSHA, if you work outside in the heat, it’s recommended you drink eight ounces of water every 20 minutes.
If employees aren’t meeting the recommended water intake, Economos and O’Connor said there can be serious impacts on their vital organs.
“We’ve all seen it can cause death, heat stroke,” O’Connor said.
Proponents of the bill suggest it will create one comprehensive policy across the state, but opponents believe it will leave outdoor workers vulnerable.
Economos said heat protections can actually be economically beneficial to employers.
“It’s to the employers’ benefit to have workers that are hydrated, rested, healthy, because they can produce better and faster,” Economos said.
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