There’s a new call for Illinois lawmakers to ensure state workers are protected from extreme cold and heat on the job.
“No one’s body. No one’s labor is disposable. And no one is worth less just because of the job that they do.”
But Employment and Labor Attorney Danya Moodabagil says that’s the harsh reality for many Illinois workers.
“As the law stands now, I see no real protections for workers against extreme heat and cold conditions. Nothing that I can do to step in and help. Currently, there are no clear temperature thresholds, no extreme temperature PPE requirements, no temperature illness prevention.”
All things advocates say the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act would help address.
State Senator Robert Peters chairs the Senate Labor Committee.
“Nobody should ever have to worry about getting frostbite on the job or getting heat exhaustion on the job. Workers are not something to be grounded up and disposed of. These are amazing people who have families and live a vibrant life. It’s our job to protect them, to give them the safety and dignity they deserve. This is a vital piece of legislation.”
Citing the growing effects of climate change, as well as the disproportionate impact weather can have on workers of color, supporters say there’s no time to waste in passing the legislation.