An Act to establish a standard for prevention of heat illness in outdoor public sector workers

This bill establishes new safety standards to prevent heat illness for outdoor public sector workers in Massachusetts, such as those in landscaping and construction. It requires employers to provide free, cool drinking water and adequate shade whenever temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with specific rules for smaller shifts or cooler weather. The law also defines key terms like "outdoor worker" and "heat illness" to clarify which employees are covered and what conditions constitute a safety risk. By amending existing state labor laws, the measure aims to protect public employees from medical emergencies caused by extreme heat exposure.