Backup — original pdf

Backup

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Public Health Commission Recommendation Number: 20250604-005: Heat-Related Illness Prevention for Outdoor Workers Brief Description of the Topic: The Austin-Travis County Public Health Commission recommends that the city of Austin establish a program to incentivize employers to provide 10-minute water breaks every three hours during high-temperature months (May-September) without affecting employee wages. This recommendation responds to historical extreme heat conditions in Austin and the associated morbidity and mortality. Employers who participate in the program would self-certify their compliance, agree to on-site inspections, and receive discounted city services such as waste disposal and utilities. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: WHEREAS the CDC has identified outdoor workers and laborers as a high-risk population vulnerable to extreme heat exposure and heat-related illnesses. WHEREAS Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requires all employers of outdoor laborers to provide access to shade and water, implement heat acclimatization protocols for new and returning workers, and conduct training on heat-related illness prevention. Texas does not impose additional heat-related protective regulations beyond these federal requirements. WHEREAS The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, House Bill 2127 restricts the authority of cities and counties to enact local ordinances, such as mandating water breaks for outdoor workers. WHEREAS Between May 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, there were 18 days with a max temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 73 days with highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. WHEREAS Between May 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, there were a total of 15 heat related deaths in the Austin metro area. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission recommends that the City of Austin: 1. Establish a program to incentivize employers of outdoor workers to provide 10-minute water breaks every three hours during high-temperature months (May-September), without affecting employee wages. 2. Employers who participate will: a. Self-certify that they provide 10-minute water breaks every three hours. b. Agree to on-site inspections or monitoring to ensure adherence to their self- certification c. Receive discounted city services and permitting. These services include, but are not limited to: 1. Residential construction and remodeling permits 2. Commercial building and trade services permits 3. Waste collection services 4. Site plan permits Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)