According to data analysis by The Texas Tribune, last year in Texas, there were 279 heat-related deaths in the state, the most since 1999.
This seems like the perfect time for the State of Texas to pass laws mandating water breaks for workers required to work in the heat.
This bill will nullify any local city ordinances that require water breaks for employees who work in the heat and prevent any local jurisdiction in the state from passing such laws in the future.
OSHA, however, does not have a national standard for heat-related illnesses and issues citations for over-exposure to heat only AFTER an injury or death.
Because the factory is outside the city limits of Austin, they were not subject to Austin's water break law.
This new law will undoubtedly lead to the deaths of innocent workers in Texas who work hard to support their families.
Now, thanks to this new Texas law, local communities won't even legally be able to do anything about it. »
