Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025

Increased Workplace Safety: Employers must provide employment and a place of employment free from conditions that may reasonably be anticipated to cause death or serious physical harm from heat stress (Section 2).

Comprehensive Heat Protections: The Secretary is directed to establish a maximum protective program to regulate exposure and prevent heat-related illness and injury (Section 3(a)(1)).

Access to Essential Resources: Employers may be required to provide suitably cool potable water or appropriate hydration, periodic paid rest breaks, and access to shade or suitable cool-down spaces (Section 3(a)(3)(C)).

Protection of Income: The bill requires that employees receive compensation at their regular rate for required durations such as rest breaks, medical removal protection, and training (Section 3(a)(4)(A)).

Clear Communication: Training, posters, labels, and written plans must be provided in English and a language understood by the employees, tailored to their vocabulary and literacy levels (Section 3(a)(4)(B)).

Whistleblower Protections: Employees who believe they have been discriminated against regarding matters related to this Act can file a complaint with the Secretary (Section 4(d)(1)).

Employer Costs: The bill notes that employers may be required to provide personal protective equipment, such as water-cooled or air-cooled garments, at the employer's expense (Section 3(a)(3)(iii)).

Mandatory Training and Planning: Employers may be required to implement specific training for employees and supervisors, as well as develop and maintain written heat illness and injury prevention plans (Section 3(a)(3)(v)-(vi)).