AB 901

This bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to develop and

implement a program to prevent heat-related illness in employees during periods

of high heat. Under current law, employees engaged in certain types of employment

(generally at factories or mercantile establishments) may not work or be allowed to

work for periods that are dangerous to their health.

This bill requires the program established by DWD to include all of the

following components: 1) the provision of cool drinking water to employees during

periods of high heat, and paid time to drink the water; 2) the provision of shade in

areas close to where employees are working and paid time to rest in the shade; 3)

guidelines for administrative controls to prevent heat-related illness; and 4)

requirements for air conditioning systems and mechanical ventilation systems in

enclosed areas where employees work to reduce the heat index in an enclosed area

to below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Also under the bill, DWD may establish exceptions

for certain businesses and types of work.