The Colorado Chamber has taken positions on 45 bills so far with about seven weeks left of the legislative session. One of these bills, which is currently on our Wallet Watchdog list, is House Bill 1286. This bill would require all employers statewide to ensure employees aren’t exposed to temperatures above or below a certain threshold (below 30 degrees and above 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The Colorado Chamber is in an “opposed” position and has built a strong coalition of over 70 business groups against the proposal.
In addition to specific temperature regulation, the bill requires employers to monitor humidity conditions and develop monitoring plans for all work areas, provide shade, AC, or heating from outdoor areas during breaks, and provide water at a specific temperature. The bill also creates new requirements around work breaks and contact with employees under certain temperatures.
HB 1286 would impact nearly all employers statewide, with few exceptions. It legislatives the employer-employee relationship to the literal degree, without considering Colorado’s climate and specific industries. The requirements could be nearly impossible to comply with, especially for businesses that have outdoor worksites. The bill also attaches new civil actions to businesses, which could lead to heavy litigation and compliance costs.
The Chamber is also concerned that this legislation will halt critical infrastructure, building and development projects statewide due to fluctuating weather conditions, which employers have no control over.
Keeping employees safe and healthy is a major priority of the business community – employers are only as successful as their employees. But HB 1286 is a solution in search of a problem, creating unnecessary and overly complex new regulatory requirements that set employers up for failure.
HB 1286 is scheduled to be heard in the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee next Thursday, March 27. If you are interested in testifying or joining the list of organizations in opposition to this proposal, please contact Meghan Dollar at [email protected].