"In political jargon, heat means pressure on politicians to do something they may be reluctant, for whatever reason, to do. But heat itself high temperatures, sometimes in triple digits, that afflict inland California each summer is a political issue with life-and-death consequences. Assembly Bill 1336, now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature or veto, is the latest skirmish in a decades-long conflict over protecting workers from heat effects on their health, whether they work outdoors or inside."
"Newsom's signature on the bill is not a foregone conclusion. Last year, he vetoed an almost identical measure, Senate Bill 1299, saying, There is no doubt that climate change is causing an increase in extreme temperatures and that California farmworkers need strong protections from the risk of heat-related illness. However, the creation of a heat-illness presumption in the workers' compensation system is not an effective way to accomplish this goal."
High summer temperatures in inland California create life-and-death risks for workers exposed to heat. Assembly Bill 1336 would establish a legal presumption that workers who suffer heat illness or injury are entitled to workers' compensation if employers fail to follow protective standards. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed an almost identical bill last year, saying that climate change increases extreme temperatures and farmworkers need protections but that a compensation presumption is not effective. Two decades ago heat-related deaths prompted rules requiring water, shade and paid breaks for outdoor workers. A state auditor's report and union complaints say Cal/OSHA lacks adequate staff to enforce those rules.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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