New Mexico proposes new heat protections for indoor and outdoor workers. If adopted, the regulations could go into effect as early as this summer.

The New Mexico Environment Department submitted a draft rule for new standards for employers to prevent heat illnesses and related injuries.

The rule would require employers to provide mandatory rest periods, cooling areas and drinking water in high-heat conditions, implement plans and training to prevent injuries and injury tracking.

Federal OSHA started the process of making federal heat safety standards for workplaces in 2021, but the rule is on an indefinite pause under the Trump administration.

According to Source NM, advocates say New Mexico urgently needs the rule, which they say will benefit workers in numerous industries, including restaurants, construction and agriculture. Six states — Maryland, California, Nevada, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington — have adopted statewide regulations to reduce heat stress in the workplace.

In its application, the New Mexico Environment Department cited research that New Mexico’s temperatures are expected to rise in the coming years.

In its petition, the New Mexico Environment Department notes the most recent data shows heat stress visits are increasing in New Mexico among people ages 18 to 44. The New Mexico Department of Health’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program documented over 900 emergency room visits due to heat in 2023 and more than 830 heat related emergency room visits since April 1, 2024, according to the application.

If the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board approves the rule, it could go into effect in July 2025, according to a press release.