As Georgia faces another summer with record-high temperatures, the state’s workers remain vulnerable to extreme heat without adequate protection. Many are employed in outdoor jobs or in environments lacking climate control, such as warehouses and kitchens. In response, House Resolution 393 was introduced to establish heat safety standards for Georgia’s workforce.
The resolution addresses a pressing issue that affects various labor sectors, including sanitation crews, farmworkers, and construction workers. These employees often endure harsh conditions that can lead to heat-related illnesses or fatalities.
“Recent weeks have seen Georgia’s heat index soar above 110°F,” according to the press release. Projections indicate an increase in dangerously high temperature days over the next two decades.
A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists from 2023 forecasts economic repercussions if no action is taken. The U.S. economy could lose over $100 billion annually by 2030 due to reduced productivity and health emergencies related to extreme heat. For Georgia specifically, these costs could exceed $10 billion within ten years.
HR 393 proposes several measures: access to clean drinking water, rest breaks in shaded areas, training on recognizing heat stress symptoms, whistleblower protections for concerned workers, and enforcement mechanisms by state agencies.
Despite its significance, HR 393 did not receive a hearing or vote during the 2025 legislative session. The failure leaves many workers at risk but advocates are determined for it to be addressed in the upcoming session.
The call remains clear: “Let’s pass HR 393. Protecting workers should never be optional.”
