Colorado § 8-14.4-101 - Definitions.

§ 8-14.4-101. Definitions.

As used in this article 14.4, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Acclimatized" means the body's adaptation to work in the heat or cold as the body is exposed to heat or cold gradually over time, which reduces the strain caused by heat stress or cold stress and reduces the chance of developing heat-related injury or illness or cold-related injury or illness.

(2) "Agricultural employment" has the meaning set forth in section 8-13.5-201 (2).

(3) "Cold-related injury or illness" means a serious medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with cold stress. Signs and symptoms of cold-related injury or illness may include numbness, the feeling of pins and needles, blue and blotchy skin, aches, fatigue, confusion, disorientation, excessive shivering, and loss of coordination.

(4) "Cold-temperature trigger" means a temperature at which an individual, if exposed for a prolonged period, may be at risk of suffering from a cold-related injury or illness or temperature-related emergency.

(5) "Department" means the department of labor and employment.

(6) "Division" means the division of labor standards and statistics in the department.

(7) "Heat-related injury or illness" means a serious medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with heat stress. Signs and symptoms of heat-related injury or illness may include headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, elevated body temperature, muscle cramps, and muscle pain or spasms.

(8) "Heat-temperature trigger" means a temperature at which an individual, if exposed for a prolonged period, may be at risk of suffering from a heat-related injury or illness or temperature-related emergency.

(9) "Potable drinking water" means water that is safe for human consumption.

(10) "Principal" means:

(a) An "employer" as set forth in the federal "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938", 29 U.S.C. sec. 203 (d);

(b) A foreign labor contractor or a migratory field labor contractor or crew leader;

(c) The state of Colorado, local governments, and political subdivisions of the state as defined in section 1-7.5-103 (6);

(d) An entity that contracts with five or more independent contractors in the state each year; and

(e) A person or entity engaged in agricultural employment.

(11) "Public health emergency" means:

(a) A public health order issued by a state or local public health agency; or

(b) A disaster emergency declared by the governor based on a public health concern.

(12) "Shade" means the blockage of direct sunlight, such that objects do not cast a shadow in the area of blocked sunlight.

(13) "Signs or symptoms of a cold emergency" means the physiological manifestation of a cold-related injury or illness, including hypothermia, frostbite, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or trench foot.

(14) "Signs or symptoms of a heat emergency" means the physiological manifestation of a heat-related injury or illness, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, or loss of consciousness.

(15) "Temperature-related emergency" means a serious medical emergency in which a worker is exhibiting signs or symptoms of a heat emergency or signs or symptoms of a cold emergency.

(16) "Temperature-related injury or illness" means cold-related injury or illness, heat-related injury or illness, or both.

(17) "TRIIPP" or "temperature-related injury and illness prevention plan" means a worksite temperature-related injury and illness prevention plan.

(18) "Worker" means:

(a) An "employee" as defined in section 8-4-101 (5); or

(b) An individual who works for an entity that contracts with five or more independent contractors in the state each year.

(19) "Worksite" means a physical location where a principal's work or operations are performed.

Source: L. 2020: Entire article added, (HB 20-1415), ch. 276, p. 1351, § 1, effective July 11. L. 2021: (1), (3)(c), and (3)(d) amended and (1.5) and (3)(e) added, (SB 21-087), ch. 337, p. 2183, § 7, effective June 25. L. 2026: Entire section amended, (HB 26-1272), ch. 384, p. 2406, § 1, effective August 12.