TEMPE, Ariz. — In a major move to shield outdoor workers from Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures, the Tempe City Council has enacted new heat safety regulations requiring rest breaks, access to water and shade, and formal safety training.
The updated guidelines, passed this week, apply to all city departments and contractors working on city projects. Under the new ordinance, employers must provide written heat safety plans and implement clear protocols during hot weather.
“These workers keep our city functioning,” said Councilmember Randy Keating, who led the council subcommittee that shaped the policy. “We owe it to them to ensure their jobs aren’t putting their lives at risk when the temperatures soar.”
The policy draws from similar protections already in place in Phoenix, Tucson, and Pima County. It was developed by Tempe’s Heat Safety for Outdoor & Contract Workers Subcommittee, which includes Councilmembers Nikki Amberg and Berdetta Hodge alongside Keating.
Broad Support from Officials and Labor Groups
Tempe’s move has received praise from local and state leaders. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called the ordinance a “significant and much-needed step to reduce heat-related health risks.” State legislators from Tempe-area districts also backed the measure in a joint letter, highlighting the city’s leadership.
Julie Hedrick, national president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, also expressed support, noting that outdoor workers often perform vital yet overlooked jobs.
Key Provisions of the New Standards Include:
A written heat safety plan for every outdoor job site
Access to water and shade within a quarter-mile of work zones
Mandatory 10-minute rest breaks every two hours when temperatures exceed 100°F
Annual training on heat illness prevention and emergency response
Acclimatization procedures for new or returning workers
Bilingual signs detailing protections and emergency instructions
Protections for workers who report unsafe conditions
Tempe also updated its noise ordinance to accommodate early construction hours during the summer, helping crews avoid peak heat while still complying with safety and noise standards.
