Labor division would track temperature injuries and publish a model plan

The labor division would create a website platform and collect information about workplace heat- and cold-related injuries, illnesses, emergencies, and workers’ compensation claims. The work would cover worksites in Colorado and related workers’ compensation claims involving temperature-related injuries, illnesses, or emergencies. The division would use the public health department’s existing surveillance program or a successor program for heat-related information. The division would work with the workers’ compensation division and a health care value organization or successor organization. The division would collect information from those partners periodically, at least twice each year. The website platform and initial data work would be required by January 15, 2027.

The labor division would develop, publish, and periodically update a model plan for preventing and responding to workplace temperature-related injuries and illnesses. The model would address workers and worksites exposed to extreme heat or cold, including new or returning workers during their first 14 days on assignment. The model would cover free cool drinking water, cool-down or warm-up areas, temperature monitoring, worker acclimatization, training, and emergency response. The division could include other parts and exemptions, adapt existing models, and adopt implementation rules. The supplied operative text does not state that principals must adopt the model or follow it. The model would be developed by July 1, 2028, posted in a viewable or downloadable format, and reviewed and updated as needed but at least every five years.

The state would set aside $76,651 from the general fund for the labor division’s program costs and an additional 0.6 full-time employee. The money would go to the Department of Labor and Employment’s Division of Labor Standards and Statistics. The division may use the money for labor-standards program costs to carry out the act. The supplied text does not state that the funding automatically continues after the 2026–27 fiscal year. The appropriation applies to the 2026–27 state fiscal year.