Governor Signs Bill to Create Heat Protections

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed companion bills that will add Virginia to the growing list of states with specific, enforceable workplace heat standards on the books. Spanberger on April 13 signed SB 288 and HB 1092, identical measures that direct the Safety and Health Codes Board and the Department of Labor to adopt regulations by May 1, 2028, requiring employers to implement heat illness prevention plans. The legislation requires the board to adopt standards that include access to water and shade, rest periods, acclimatization periods and training on preventing heat illnesses. The measures ...