A heat wave gripped New Jersey this week, the latest blast in what has already been a hot summer. The soaring temperatures have drawn more attention to the plight of workers who labor in the heat at construction sites, on delivery routes, in farm fields, in warehouses and elsewhere. A bill currently being considered in the State House would create statewide protections for workers exposed to extreme heat, like requirements for shade, water and increased breaks.
Supporters say the bill is critical to preventing worker injuries and deaths, especially as climate change increases the risk of heat. New Jersey’s business and agriculture lobbies have been strongly opposed to the bill, warning it would impose expensive and inflexible requirements on employers.
Garrett O’Connor, the director of worker organizing and policy for Make the Road New Jersey, told NJ Spotlight News that state lawmakers should be called back to Trenton immediately and pass the bill.
“Workers in New Jersey need protection from extreme heat now,” O’Connor said. “There really is no issue that is more urgent than this one. If and when the Legislature gets back together to take up unfinished business from June, this should be the highest priority.”
