S. 2571: 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 enhance the safety and health protections for farmworkers in response to increasing risks from wildfire smoke and excessive heat conditions.

Key Findings

• The wildfire season has lengthened and wildfires have become more frequent due to climate change.
• Air quality can become hazardous during wildfire smoke events, impacting health, particularly for outdoor workers.
• High temperatures can pose severe health risks, including heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
• Historical data shows significant health impacts on farmworkers during extreme heat events.

Occupational Safety and Health Standard

The bill establishes standards that agricultural operation employers must meet to protect farmworkers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and excessive heat.

Definitions

Several terms are defined for clarity, including:

• Agricultural operation employer: An employer involved in farming or agricultural work.
• Excessive heat: Heat levels exceeding the body's ability to maintain normal functions, which can lead to serious health issues.
• Farmworker: An employee involved in agriculture for an agricultural operation employer.

Initial Safety Standards

Upon enactment of this bill, the Secretary of Labor will enforce initial safety standards, including requirements that employers:

• Provide protective equipment such as N95 respirators when air quality reaches hazardous levels.
• Ensure mandatory use of this equipment during extremely hazardous conditions.
• Offer equipment and facilities for water and cooling to protect against excessive heat.
• Provide training for farmworkers on how to use protective equipment effectively, health impacts, and conduct safety training in accessible languages.
• Implement mandatory rest breaks in shaded areas when conditions are dangerous.

Development of Comprehensive Standards

Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary is required to begin the process of developing a comprehensive occupational safety and health standard. This standard should:

• Match or exceed current federal and state protections.
• Detail health risks associated with wildfire smoke inhalation and excessive heat.

Collaboration and Technical Assistance

The bill encourages collaboration by allowing agricultural employers to seek assistance from the Department of Labor regarding compliance. The Department is tasked with:

• Offering technical assistance to help employers meet safety and health requirements.
• Creating training resources aimed at reaching farmworkers, particularly those facing language or accessibility challenges.

Enforcement

The standards established will be enforceable through existing channels defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which includes prohibitions against discrimination for reporting unsafe conditions or non-compliance.

Relevant Companies

None found.