SAFE WORK FOR ALL

SET THE STANDARD, BEAT THE HEAT

Workers in heat vulnerable and
high risk industries in New Mexico:

247,285

HOW AN OCCUPATIONAL HEAT STANDARD BENEFITS NEW MEXICO

With the status of a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) heat protection standard unclear, it is more important than ever that states implement protections for their own workforces.

Since 2023, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) reported receiving 142 complaints of heat-related workplace incidents from workers under a federal National Emphasis Program, but the authorization for that program is set to expire this year.

Heat-related incidents occur in a wide range of New Mexico’s industries and manifest in multiple ways. The stories revealed in New Mexico OSHA complaints reveal myriad dangers to workers exposed to environmental heat.

Workers in a convenience store went without air conditioning for a month including temperatures of 98 degrees, leaving them dizzy, nauseous, and light-headed. Municipal waste workers on site without personal protective equipment or water who were threatened with retaliation if employees reported issues to human resources. Eleven agricultural workers exposed to sun and heat while doing their work. Construction workers used excavating machines with broken air conditioners, while management failed to order parts to repair them. More than 80 high school workers trying to do their jobs in the heat without drinking water available. We believe that all workers should be able to work safely, and deserve a life-saving common-sense occupational heat standard.

COSTS OF INACTION

Workers experience lost wages, increased medical bills, and job insecurity.

Businesses suffer financially from increasing exposure to environmental heat.

Heat illnesses strain the healthcare systems and workforce.

Businesses experience difficulty retaining and recruiting talent.

THE OPPORTUNITY

In March 2025, the New Mexico Environment Department petitioned the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) to move forward with a rulemaking to adopt a statewide occupational heat standard for New Mexico. Now, the EIB needs to hear from YOU!

The EIB will host a public comment period from April 1 - May 30th to allow for workers across the state to weigh in. Submit a public comment using our form below, and tell the EIB you want the strongest rule possible to protect New Mexico workers.

Stakeholder and public meetings will be held in May 2025, with a formal public hearing before the EIB expected July 16-17, 2025. Information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.