This bill, titled the "Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025," aims to establish occupational safety and health standards to protect farmworkers from the increasing dangers of wildfire smoke and excessive heat. It recognizes the heightened prevalence of wildfires and extreme temperatures, which pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, including farmworkers. Upon enactment, an initial standard is immediately deemed effective, requiring agricultural operation employers to provide specific protections. For wildfire smoke, employers must supply N95 or N100 respirators when air quality is dangerous, with mandatory use during extremely dangerous levels. For excessive heat, employers must provide water and cooling facilities, with mandatory use and rest breaks in shaded areas when heat levels are dangerous. Employers are also required to provide training and education materials in languages understood by farmworkers, covering proper equipment use, effectiveness, and health impacts. The Secretary of Labor is directed to begin promulgating a permanent occupational safety and health standard within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This permanent standard must offer at least the same level of protection as the initial standard and provide no less protection than the most stringent state-adopted standards. Additionally, the Secretary will offer technical assistance to employers and develop sample training materials, collaborating with community organizations to reach all farmworkers, including those with language barriers.
Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4844| House
| Updated: 8/1/2025
This bill, titled the "Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025," aims to establish occupational safety and health standards to protect farmworkers from the increasing dangers of wildfire smoke and excessive heat. It recognizes the heightened prevalence of wildfires and extreme temperatures, which pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, including farmworkers. Upon enactment, an initial standard is immediately deemed effective, requiring agricultural operation employers to provide specific protections. For wildfire smoke, employers must supply N95 or N100 respirators when air quality is dangerous, with mandatory use during extremely dangerous levels. For excessive heat, employers must provide water and cooling facilities, with mandatory use and rest breaks in shaded areas when heat levels are dangerous. Employers are also required to provide training and education materials in languages understood by farmworkers, covering proper equipment use, effectiveness, and health impacts. The Secretary of Labor is directed to begin promulgating a permanent occupational safety and health standard within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This permanent standard must offer at least the same level of protection as the initial standard and provide no less protection than the most stringent state-adopted standards. Additionally, the Secretary will offer technical assistance to employers and develop sample training materials, collaborating with community organizations to reach all farmworkers, including those with language barriers.