TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – After months of work, Pima County has finally adopted the county’s first extreme heat plan.
“I am very proud that Pima County is the first county in Arizona to enact a heat protection ordinance,” said Adelita Grijalva, chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
The summer months are coming to an end and on Monday the district put the finishing touches on the ordinance that came into force last May. But the wait was worth it, according to the district.
“Statistics and observations show that our summers are getting hotter, leading to more deaths and hospitalizations due to increasing heat,” Grijalva said shortly before the vote. “It is time for us to act, and we have done so.”
Most of the rules are pretty simple and probably border on common sense.
- Cool water should be available at all workplaces
- Shade should be provided
- If possible, air conditioning should be available, even in vehicles
- Employees should be given frequent breaks to cool down
But now the district has added new elements to the regulation, some of which this letter by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Mayes’ letter and suggestions gave the county confidence that its proposals would not be challenged by state lawmakers.
“Our attorney general has gone through the document and tightened up the language,” Grijalva said. “So I expect that if we actually have a problem, we can send the language back from her office and say what they think.”
This language provides a clear mechanism for employees to report employers who do not comply with the rules and prevents any retaliation.
The district sees the measure as information rather than punishment.
“The goal is, really, something that isn’t being implemented the way it should be, or maybe we missed something that’s important for people to know,” Grijalva said.
Mayes has asked the county to hold regular training sessions and post signs so workers know exactly what is required on construction sites and how to protect themselves.
County employees who work outdoors or in warehouses are already affected by the ordinance. Monday’s vote also includes companies that contract with the county.
“This really applies to anyone who contracts or subcontracts with Pima County starting today,” Grijalva said.
Several supporters of the ordinance asked in their discussions with the panel whether the ordinance could be extended to private businesses throughout the county.
That’s not currently on offer, but Mayes said she would like to roll it out nationwide.
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