High Heat Alert: Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers
Cal/OSHA reminds employers to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast across California.
Temperatures this week are expected to reach up to 114°F today through Thursday, peaking in the following areas:
San Fernando Valley: 108 °F | Santa Barbara County: 100°F |
San Joaquin Valley: 106°F | San Francisco Bay Area: 108°F |
Coachella Valley: 114°F | Imperial County: 113°F |
San Luis Obispo / Salinas: 104°F | Los Angeles: 108°F |
San Bernardino: 112°F | Sacramento: 106°F |
Santa Monica: 97°F | Palm Springs: 114°F |
What you need to know: Excessive heat is expected in multiple regions across the state this week. Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standards require employers to protect workers from heat illness, especially during periods of high heat. There are specific requirements for both outdoor and indoor workplaces.
To prevent heat illness, employers must train workers on how to identify and respond to heat illness, as well as provide and encourage the use of enough water, shade and cool-down rest breaks to keep workers safe. Detailed information, including employer’s requirements, are posted in English and Spanish on www.99calor.org.
Additional resources: Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program includes enforcement of the heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California’s employers and workers. Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Workers who have questions about heat illness prevention in indoor and outdoor places of employment can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a bilingual Cal/OSHA representative Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Cal/OSHA has established the Heat Illness Prevention (HIP) Network, a voluntary partnership aimed at increasing awareness among employers and workers about the importance of preventing heat illness in California and the importance of taking steps to prevent work-related illnesses and fatalities. To join the HIP Network, email HIPNetwork@dir.ca.gov.