Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2022

Bill 117 HR 2193, also known as the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2022, aims to address the issue of heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. The bill is named after Asunción Valdivia, a farmworker who tragically died from heat stroke while working in extreme temperatures.

The key provisions of the bill include requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish a heat stress standard to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This standard would include guidelines for employers to follow in order to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as providing access to water, shade, and rest breaks for workers.

Additionally, the bill would require employers to implement heat illness prevention programs, conduct heat stress assessments, and provide training to employees on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses. Employers would also be required to report incidents of heat-related illnesses and fatalities to OSHA. The bill also includes provisions to protect vulnerable workers, such as agricultural workers, who are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses due to the nature of their work. It would require OSHA to conduct outreach and education programs to inform these workers about their rights and protections under the new heat stress standard. Overall, the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2022 aims to improve workplace safety and protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat. By establishing a heat stress standard and implementing prevention programs, the bill seeks to prevent future tragedies like the death of Asunción Valdivia.