An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa and 1 co-sponsor

Public employers must create and enforce written heat-illness prevention plans for outdoor workers, align with state exposure standards, provide water, shade, breaks, training.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Summary of H.2172: An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers

Overview

H.2172, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to prevent heat-related illness among outdoor public-sector workers in Massachusetts. The bill adds a new Section 204 to Chapter 149 and directs the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) to set state guidelines on outdoor heat exposure and require public employers to implement comprehensive heat illness prevention plans. The latest legislative action notes a reporting date extension to December 3, 2025.

What the bill would do

Establish a formal framework to prevent heat-related illness for outdoor workers employed by public entities (state and local governments).

Require regulatory standards for outdoor heat exposure levels and the monitoring of compliance.

Require each public employer to develop, implement, and maintain a written heat-related illness prevention plan, available in a language understood by the majority of employees and upon request.

Key provisions

Definitions

Heat-related illness: serious conditions from the body's inability to dissipate heat (heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, syncope, heat stroke).
Heat stress: the net heat load from metabolic heat, environment, and clothing that increases body temperature and risk of illness.

Regulation and standards (Section 204(b))

DLS must promulgate regulations establishing outdoor heat exposure levels for public employees.
Regulations will include mechanisms to monitor compliance.

Employer requirements (Section 204(c))

Written heat-related illness prevention plan tailored to the workforce, in a language understood by a majority of employees.
Plan components include:
Regular monitoring of worksite exposures and risk assessment.
Provision of potable water.
Paid rest breaks and access to shade, cool-down areas, or climate-controlled spaces as needed.
Emergency response procedures for signs of heat illness.
Acclimatization procedures for workers as needed.
Administrative controls to limit heat exposure.
Annual training and ongoing education for at-risk employees.
Record-keeping and reporting procedures for heat-related illness.
Supervisor training on monitoring conditions, implementing preventive measures, and emergency response.
Anti-retaliation: policy prohibiting discrimination against employees who report heat-related illness concerns or seek assistance.

Implementation timeline (Section 204(d))

By January 1, 2027, DLS must adopt and implement the state standard for preventing heat illness in outdoor workers.
Public employers have six months from standard adoption to achieve compliance.
Enforcement authority rests with the Attorney General.

Enforcement and timeline

The bill envisions state-level adoption of a uniform standard, with AG enforcement.

The current status shows a hearing was scheduled for June 18, 2025, and the reporting date extended to December 3, 2025.

Impact and stakeholders

Affects public-sector outdoor workers (state and municipal employees) and their employers.

Implicates budgeting for water access, shade/cooling spaces, training, record-keeping, and administrative updates.

Aims to reduce heat-related illnesses and provide protections for workers who report concerns.

Related information

Related bill: HD 2782 (replaces).

Legislative actions indicate ongoing consideration in the 194th General Court (2025-2026).