District 4 Councilwoman spearheads measure to protect workers

Published on August 31, 2023

District 4 Councilwoman spearheads measure to protect workers from heat-related illness in city contracts

SAN ANTONIO (August 31, 2023) – City Council approved an ordinance establishing minimum Heat Illness prevention requirements for certain City funded contracts involving activities in outdoor and unconditioned spaces. The District 4 Councilwoman issued the following statement: 

“When I co-authored the council consideration request establishing a task force on heat illness prevention for construction workers, I thought of my father and the thousands of residents who are exposed to the heat as they work to help build our city. 

“The Planning and Community Development Committee worked closely with the Development Services Department staff alongside members of the task force over a year. There were five stakeholder meetings held to discuss issues of enforcement, the development of an education campaign and other city ordinances. 

“Today, City Council voted to move forward and adopt a preventive measure designed to protect and keep workers safe. This ordinance is not designed to be a punitive tactic and instead ensures we require contractors on all city funded projects to provide breaks, shaded heat relief stations, drinking water, signage and training for workers and supervisors. Many contractors already have these practices in place to ensure worker safety. This new ordinance demonstrates our city’s commitment to establish ordinances as shall be needed for the government, interest, welfare and good order of the city and the interest, welfare, health, morals, comfort, safety and convenience of its inhabitants, as stated in our City’s charter.”