On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-5022 from committee with amendments, establishing the “Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program” and occupational heat stress standards in the Department of Labor.
The League has worked closely with the sponsors, Assemblywoman Quijano and Senator Cryan, and is very appreciative that they have addressed many of the concerns by exempting public safety and emergency management.
However, the League is respectfully asking for a blanket exemption from this legislation for municipal operations because there are more operational items that need to be considered. To cite just a few:
- Hazmat cleanup
- Garbage and recycling pickup
- Municipal recreation – umpires, concession workers, park
- Other workers at the beach. While we appreciate that lifeguards are exempted, what about beach badge checkers, concession workers, and public works
- Building and Grounds employees
- Regular road maintenance
We have shared our additional concerns with the sponsor and are hopeful they will be considered.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.