This bill, called the Heat Stress Act, 2025, aims to protect workers from heat-related health problems. It requires the Ontario government to create rules for managing heat stress at work. Employers will have to take steps to prevent heat illness and train workers and supervisors on how to stay safe. The bill also sets rules on providing water and breaks, and it will require ongoing reports to the government about heat-related health issues. The law will start 12 months after it is approved.
If you work outdoors or in hot conditions, your employer will be required to put safety rules in place to lower the risk of heat illness. They will provide training on how to recognize heat sickness and how to respond. Employers will need to offer breaks, cool water, and protective clothes like cooling vests. Your employer must also pay you your regular wages if you need to take breaks or time off due to heat illness. Additionally, your workplace will have to follow new safety policies, and you will be informed of these rules in clear language, in both English and French, or in any language you understand. Every year, the government will check and report on heat-related health problems in workplaces for the first five years of this law.
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Employers will be responsible for costs related to providing training, protective gear, and additional safety measures such as cooling clothing and adjustable work schedules. The government’s main costs will include developing, updating, and enforcing the new heat safety standards and reporting on heat-related health issues. The law requires these safety standards to be implemented within 12 months but does not specify the total implementation costs.
Supporters say this law is important because climate change is making it hotter, and workers in many jobs are at risk of heat-related illness and death. They believe the bill will help protect workers by making workplaces safer and ensuring employers take proper steps to prevent heat stress. They argue that training workers and supervisors will empower them to recognize dangerous signs early and take action. They also think regular reporting will improve safety over time by tracking illnesses and enforcement efforts.
Opponents may argue that the law could cause increased costs for employers, especially small businesses, to buy protective equipment and modify schedules. They might say that these rules could lead to delays or extra paperwork that could hurt productivity. Some critics could worry about how the government will enforce these standards and whether employers will be able to comply without hardship. Others may question whether the penalties for violations are strong enough to ensure safety. Data on the actual costs and effectiveness of such measures are not yet available.