Arizona heat safety task force delivers key worker protections | Arizona News

PHOENIX (KVOA) – Arizona workers are set to benefit from new heat safety recommendations aimed at reducing heat-related risks on the job. According to a press release, the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, established by Gov. Katie Hobbs, has finalized guidelines to provide employers with practical strategies to protect their employees during the state’s intense heat.

Hobbs emphasized the importance of worker safety, noting that the recommendations focus on providing access to water, shade, and rest. “Keeping hardworking Arizonans safe on the job has been a top priority of my administration since day one,” Hobbs said.

The guidelines, now published by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, include employee acclimatization, heat safety training and detailed Heat Illness Prevention Plans. These strategies are designed to address the unique challenges posed by Arizona’s diverse climates and industries.

Gaetano Testini, director of the Industrial Commission of Arizona, praised the collaborative effort, saying, “The Task Force effectively addressed and navigated these complexities as it delivered very actionable recommendations for the agency.”

The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) will implement further measures as part of the Governor’s Executive Order. These include publishing annual data on heat-related claims and providing downloadable heat plan templates for employers.

Grace Appelbe from the Arizona Manufacturers Council highlighted the practical nature of the recommendations, stating they provide “clear, Arizona-specific guidance that prioritizes worker safety.”

The Task Force’s recommendations will be reviewed by the ADOSH Advisory Committee during a public meeting on February 4, 2026, before final consideration by the Industrial Commission in the spring.