H.R. 4844: Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025, aims to establish safety standards to protect farmworkers from the risks associated with wildfire smoke and excessive heat. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Background and Findings

The bill recognizes several key issues:

• Wildfire seasons have become longer and more severe due to climate change.
• Average temperatures in the western U.S. have increased significantly.
• Wildfire smoke is harmful, containing toxic elements that reduce air quality.
• Smoke can travel long distances and poses particularly high risks to outdoor workers, including farmworkers.
• Extreme heat can be life-threatening without proper protections.
• Historical data indicate fatalities among farmworkers due to heat stress.

Protection Against Wildfire Smoke and Heat

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions, including:

• Agricultural Operation Employer: Employers engaged in farming.
• Farmworker: Employees working for agricultural operation employers.
• Excessive Heat: Heat levels that can lead to health issues like heatstroke.

Initial Occupational Safety and Health Standards

The Secretary of Labor will establish an initial safety standard that includes:

• Providing protective equipment against wildfire smoke, such as N95 or N100 respirators, when air quality is deemed dangerous.
• Mandatory use of this equipment when air quality reaches an extremely dangerous level.
• Provision of equipment and facilities to prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures are dangerously high, including water and cooling facilities.
• Mandatory breaks for farmworkers under hazardous conditions, such as having breaks in shaded areas or other safe contexts.
• Training for farmworkers on using protective equipment and understanding the risks from smoke and heat exposure.

Enforcement

The initial standards will be enforced similarly to existing occupational health standards, allowing for penalties for non-compliance.

Promulgation of a Comprehensive Standard

Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary will begin working on a more detailed occupational safety standard that will ensure:

• At least the same health and safety protections as the initial standards.
• Compliance with the most stringent state-level protections regarding smoke and heat.
• Clear communication about the health impacts of smoke inhalation and working in excessive heat.

Support for Employers

The bill encourages agricultural employers to seek assistance and guidance from the Secretary of Labor regarding compliance and safety measures. Additionally, the Secretary will provide support in the form of sample training materials and collaboration with community organizations to reach farmworkers effectively.

Potential Outcomes

The intended result of this legislation is to enhance the safety and health of farmworkers by providing specific requirements and protections against the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and excessive heat. By mandating protections and training, the aim is to prevent health issues and fatalities in this workforce.

Relevant Companies

None found