Labor & Employment (Workplace Safety)

HB 303 requires New Hampshire's Department of Labor to adopt occupational safety standards for state employers that are at least as protective as federal OSHA standards (excluding specific subparts). It mandates the commissioner to implement these rules within three years, review them annually, and update them as needed, while maintaining public records of these reviews. The bill authorizes the hiring of up to six new labor inspectors and one support staff position to enforce these standards, with costs covered by existing department funds. This applies directly to public employers, including state agencies, counties, and municipalities, ensuring their workplace safety protections meet or exceed federal baseline requirements.

HB 1451 requires all employers in New Hampshire to create written safety plans protecting workers from extreme heat (80°F+ or 15°F-) and cold, including mandatory rest breaks in temperature-controlled areas and access to fluids. It mandates annual employee training on recognizing heat/cold illness symptoms, reporting procedures, and emergency response, while prohibiting retaliation for reporting safety concerns. The law applies to all workplaces with temperature-related risks, particularly outdoor and manual labor jobs like construction and transportation. Employers must develop plans using a step-by-step approach (e.g., hazard elimination, engineering controls) and involve employees in the process.