New Jersey is considering legislation that would mandate employers of any size to implement a heat safety plan. While well-intentioned, this legislation duplicates federal standards in place and unnecessarily burdens small businesses.
This proposal’s requirements go far beyond what is feasible for a small business owner. While most employers provide potable water, breaks, and shaded areas to employees working in extreme heat, the average small business owner cannot simply “increas[e] the total number of workers to reduce the heat exposure of each worker” as this legislation suggests. Most small businesses cannot postpone projects until the weather cools, rotate their full workforce, or afford a $5,000 fine for a single violation.
Tell your lawmakers to oppose this proposal and keep small businesses operational!
