Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.

Rhode Island Workplace Extreme Temperature Protection Bill

This bill would require Rhode Island employers to take specific steps to protect their workers from health risks caused by extreme heat or cold on the job. Employers would need to provide rest breaks, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated clothing or cooling gear, and proper tools or equipment to help employees safely handle temperature-related conditions. The goal is to reduce the risk of heat stroke, hypothermia, and other serious health problems that can result from working in very hot or very cold environments.

The bill also requires that supervisors receive training on a quarterly basis — meaning four times per year — so they can recognize the warning signs of heat- or cold-related illness and know how to respond quickly. This ongoing training requirement is designed to make sure workplace safety knowledge stays current and that supervisors are consistently prepared to protect the people they oversee.

This legislation would affect a wide range of workers, particularly those in industries where extreme temperatures are common, such as construction, agriculture, landscaping, warehouse work, food processing, and outdoor services. Employers across these and other sectors would be responsible for putting new safety policies and procedures in place to comply with the law.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Labor Committee and has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet been passed into law. A hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2026, where lawmakers will continue to review and discuss its provisions.