Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD.

New Jersey's S 2422 establishes a state-level occupational heat stress standard and prevention program under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill requires all employers (including public entities) to implement written heat illness prevention plans by June 2025, mandating practices like providing potable water below 59°F, paid rest breaks in cool areas, and emergency response protocols for heat exposure. It also requires employers to monitor heat levels, acclimatize workers, and activate heat alert systems during forecasted heat waves, including postponing non-essential tasks and increasing staffing to reduce individual exposure. The law directly affects all workers in New Jersey, with heightened focus on high-risk sectors like agriculture, construction, and indoor workplaces without climate control.