As Texas swelters, local rules requiring water breaks for construction workers soon to be nullified

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Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that will eliminate city and county ordinances like Austin and Dallas’ mandated water breaks

was passed by the Texas Legislature during this year’s regular legislative session. The bill, which Abbott signed into state law on June 13, takes effect Sept. 1.

The National Weather Service is forecasting highs of 100 degrees or above in South Texas for several days. At the same time, Lopez said, increased urbanization across the U.S. — especially in places like Texas where cities are expanding — makes more people vulnerable to health dangers from extreme heat due to the “urban island” effect. Essentially, the combination of concrete and buildings, plus a lack of green spaces causes ground-level heat to radiate, increasing the temperature in cities.

Beyond eliminating mandated water breaks for construction workers, opponents of the legislation argue that it will also make it more difficult for cities and counties Supporters of HB 2127 say that local regulations on breaks for construction workers are unnecessary because the right to a safe labor environment is already guaranteed through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

David Michaels, who was head of OSHA from 2009 to 2017, disagreed with the approach of HB 2127 proponents.

 

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