Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness during High Temperatures
Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect workers at outdoor and indoor workplaces from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast across California. Heat illness is dangerous and can be deadly.
Temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 92 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit today through Thursday and are forecast to peak on Wednesday.
| Redding: 88-93° F | Chico: 89-93° F |
| Palmdale: 90-95° F | Riverside: 92-94° F |
| Modesto: 90-95° F | Sacramento: 89-94° F |
| Fresno: 90-94° F | Bakersfield: 89-94° F |
| Stockton: 88-92° F | Coachella: 98-105° F |
| Los Angeles: 94-95° F | Palmdale: 93-94° F |
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 employers’ requirements, are posted in English and Spanish at www.99calor.org.
Under California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards, employers are legally required to implement protective measures for outdoor workers and must protect workers at indoor workplaces when temperatures reach 82 degrees. Employers may be covered under both the indoor and outdoor regulations if they have workers in each setting. See the Comparison Chart of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards.
Employers must also maintain a written prevention plan with effective training for supervisors to recognize the common signs and symptoms of heat illness, and what to do in case of an emergency.
In certain industries, when the temperature at outdoor worksites reaches or exceeds 95 degrees, Cal/OSHA’s standard requires additional protections. The industries with additional high-heat requirements are agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and transportation of agricultural products, construction materials or other heavy materials. High-heat procedures include ensuring employees are observed regularly for signs of heat illness and establishing effective communication methods so workers can contact a supervisor when needed.
Additional Resources
Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program includes enforcement of the heat standards 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 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.
About Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Workers in California are protected regardless of immigration status. Workers who have questions about safety and health in the workplace can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a live bilingual Cal/OSHA representative between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
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.