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Tempe adopts heat‑safety standard for outdoor workers after employer and labor support
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a heat safety ordinance requiring access to water, shade and rest for outdoor workers; Ironworkers Local 75 endorsed the measure and councilmembers praised the ordinance as among the state's most robust.
The Tempe City Council unanimously adopted a heat‑safety ordinance that will require employers and site supervisors to provide outdoor workers access to cool water, shade and rest periods and to include education on preventing heat illness.
Christian Bearden, representing Ironworkers Local 75, told the council that lack of water and shade on some job sites had made the ordinance necessary. "Guaranteeing workers access to water, shade and a place to rest...is going to improve the quality of life for many of our Tempe brothers and sisters that are working out in the heat," Bearden said.
Councilmember Burkini, who led the motion with colleagues who had served on the working group, described Tempe’s ordinance as one of the most robust in the state. Supporters noted statewide interest: the governor has created a heat‑safety task force and several state lawmakers and the attorney general signed letters supporting Tempe’s approach.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded on the council floor and passed 7–0. Staff will publish the final ordinance text and begin implementation steps with city departments and stakeholders.
Next steps: Staff to finalize enforcement guidance and outreach to employers and contractors before the summer high‑heat season.
