Today marked the inaugural meeting of Governor Katie Hobbs’ Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, convened to address the potential health risks posed by Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures. Among the select group of leaders participating in the session was David Martin, President of the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AZAGC), representing Arizona’s construction industry.
The Task Force, assembled under an he broader context behind the Task Force: Arizona has experienced two consecutive summers of record-breaking heat, increasing the urgency for employer-driven protections. While a State Emphasis Plan (SEP) launched in 2023 reduced heat-related claims in 2024, the Task Force aims to build on that progress with enduring, sector-specific solutions.
Executive Order, brings together professionals from various sectors to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for mitigating heat-related illnesses in the workplace.
Laying the Groundwork for Action
The initial meeting, facilitated by Amber Pappas, CIT, CSP, of the ADOSH Health and Safety Advisory Committee, and opened by Gaetano Testini, Director of the Industrial Commission of Arizona, served to introduce members, outline the goals of the Task Force, and establish the rules of engagement moving forward.
Martin and other participants reviewed the broader context behind the Task Force: Arizona has experienced two consecutive summers of record-breaking heat, increasing the urgency for employer-driven protections. While a State Emphasis Plan (SEP) launched in 2023 reduced heat-related claims in 2024, the Task Force aims to build on that progress with enduring, sector-specific solutions.
Guidelines and Expectations for Task Force Members
To ensure an inclusive and a results-driven process, Task Force members were briefed on clear expectations and operational guidelines. These include:
- Engaging stakeholders within each represented industry prior to the September meeting to ensure recommendations reflect a broad base of input;
- Ensuring diverse and adequate representation from across the industry or group, including geographic, occupational, and organizational perspectives;
- Securing consensus or broad agreement on the recommendations to be put forward.
All recommendations must meet the following standards:
- Be practical and economically feasible for employers to implement;
- Offer measurable protection for workers during extreme heat conditions;
- Be supported by data, research, or demonstrated industry practices;
- Consider a range of safety controls, including:
- Environmental modifications (e.g., shade structures, misting systems, cool-down areas);
- Operational best practices (e.g., shift adjustments, hydration policies);
- Education and training on heat illness prevention;
- Administrative and engineering controls to reduce exposure and risk.
Martin’s Role: Construction Industry Voice and Safety Advocate
David Martin’s involvement ensures that Arizona’s construction industry—one of the industries most impacted by heat—has a strong voice in the conversation. In the coming weeks, he will engage with AZAGC members and industry partners to solicit feedback, identify best practices, and help forge a path that balances safety, feasibility, and performance.
Next Steps: Preparing for September Deliberations
The Task Force will reconvene in September to begin discussing draft recommendations. Between now and then, members like Martin are tasked with gathering input from their industries to help shape a meaningful and actionable plan that will guide employers across Arizona.
As the construction industry continues to adapt to environmental challenges, AZAGC remains committed to protecting its workforce and contributing to statewide leadership on worker safety.
