Worker Protection Modifications

HB 544 modifies Utah's Labor Code to protect warehouse workers in large distribution centers (employing 100+ in one facility or 500+ across multiple). It prohibits employers from forcing employees to attend meetings or listen to communications about religious or political topics, with limited exceptions, and bans retaliation for reporting violations. The bill also requires employers to implement written safety programs for extreme heat and cold risks, including specific break schedules, hydration access, temperature monitoring, and recordkeeping for workplace temperature incidents. These provisions apply to facilities classified under specific warehouse, delivery, or distribution NAICS codes, directly affecting workers in those settings.