Phoenix – Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) proudly announces that President and CEO Rick Murray has been appointed to the newly formed Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, launched under an Executive Order signed by Governor Katie Hobbs to address the growing risks of extreme heat in Arizona workplaces.
The Task Force, convened by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH), brings together a diverse group of industry leaders, labor representatives, and safety experts to develop practical heat safety guidelines for employers. These recommendations are expected to be finalized before the end of the year and will build on the Heat Stress State Emphasis Program established in 2023.
“This is a critical step forward for Arizona’s workforce,” said Rick Murray. “As temperatures continue to rise, so does the responsibility of employers to keep their people safe. I’m honored to bring ACNSC’s voice to the table and work alongside this dedicated group to protect the workers who power our state.”
Each year, Arizona sees hundreds of heat-related workers’ compensation claims — often underreported due to the nature of these incidents. One in five workers in Arizona is employed in industries at high risk for heat exposure, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
As CEO of ACNSC, Murray leads a nonprofit safety advocate with a mission to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury across Arizona’s communities, schools, roads, and workplaces. His appointment to the Task Force reflects his organization’s longstanding commitment to advancing safety education, training, and resources that save lives.
“Protecting Arizonans from heat illness is a public health priority,” added Murray. “The solutions we create must be Arizona-specific, employer-informed, and rooted in best practices that keep workers healthy and businesses thriving.”
The Workplace Heat Safety Task Force will continue meeting throughout 2025 and will release its recommendations by year’s end.
For more information about ACNSC’s ongoing efforts to advance workplace safety, visit www.acnsc.org.