Extreme temperature worker protection bill introduced in Colorado General Assembly

Voces Unidas is pleased to see this week’s introduction of our priority bill HB25-1286, which seeks to protect workers exposed to extreme heat and cold conditions.

HB25-1286 (or the Protecting Workers from Extreme Temperatures bill) is among the first legislative proposals of its kind in the nation and will require employers to implement commonsense protections for workers who are required to work during extremely hot and cold days, including providing shade or shelter when temperatures drop or rise to certain levels, making water available for workers, requiring temperature-related prevention plans and more. The escalating impacts of our rapidly changing climate have increased the urgency to legislate protections for workers.

Whether summer or winter, Latinos are traditionally overrepresented in jobs most impacted by the hazardous temperatures targeted by the bill. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. Likewise, prolonged exposure to cold can lead to conditions such as frostbite, fatigue, confusion and loss of coordination. These conditions reduce productivity, increase the risk of accidents, and can result in long-term health issues. 

Voces Unidas has been working with state Rep. Elizabeth Velasco and bill co-sponsors Rep. Meg Froelich and Sens. Mike Weissman and Lisa Cutter to craft the legislation with the support of more than 26 coalition partners. The Coalition to Protect Workers from Extreme Temperatures, founded by Voces Unidas, includes organizations like Hispanic Affairs, Conservation Colorado, GreenLatinos, Towards Justice, Healthy Air and Water Colorado, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate, State Innovation Exchange, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), SMART Local 9, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, SEIU Local 105, People & Pollinators Action Network, and others. 

Since 2020, Voces Unidas has been organizing rural Latino workers in the High Country, many of whom are required to work during very hot and extremely cold days. The issue of worker protection is a top policy priority for Latinos in the Western Slope and across the state. In a recent statewide poll commissioned by Voces Unidas, more than 85% of Latino registered voters in Colorado supported more protections for workers exposed to extreme temperatures. 

Colorado’s workers are overdue for increased protections addressing the potential for injuries, reduced productivity, and fatalities, making worker protection legislation a priority for our organization during the current session of the Colorado General Assembly.

Learn how you can help support this important legislative effort by visiting our webpage at https://www.vocesunidas.org/worker-protections.