Workers push for heat safety laws in New Jersey

New Jersey legislators are advancing a bill to protect workers from rising temperatures by requiring heat-related safety measures, though key exemptions remain for farms and other industries.

Emilie Lounsberry reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Proposed legislation mandates water, rest breaks and shaded areas for workers when temperatures exceed 85°F, with stricter rules for high-radiant areas like kitchens.
Commercial farms and some other sectors are exempt but must implement tailored heat-protection plans developed with state agencies.
Worker advocacy groups argue stronger protections are critical as New Jersey experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves tied to climate change.

Key quote:

“It’s a worker safety bill that’s based upon climate change.”

— Joseph P. Cryan, New Jersey state senator and sponsor of the bill

Why this matters:

Climate change intensifies workplace risks for outdoor and indoor workers exposed to extreme heat. Without proper protections, rising temperatures can lead to severe health outcomes or fatalities. States like New Jersey are stepping in as federal progress on heat standards stalls.

insideclimatenews.org

Workers push for heat safety laws in New Jersey

These two laws give EPA authority to regulate CO2 — if it wants to

Trees take root as Virginia’s frontline defense against urban heat

Forecasters predict, prepare for increased drought and wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook

Data centers are straining the grid. Can they be forced to pay for it?

Facing a hotter climate and drying Great Salt Lake, some families plan to leave Utah

Trump shuns solar, but some prominent MAGA figures disagree

War-driven energy crisis gives China a boost for its renewable exports

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.