Cal/OSHA urges employers to protect workers from heat-related illnesses

Several Southern California counties have recently been under extended heat advisories as temperatures range between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. While temperatures remain high, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) urges employers to take steps to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

Regulations require indoor facilities to protect employees against heat hazards by providing clean drinking water, breaks in designated cool-down areas, and mandatory training.

Outdoor workplaces must meet separate requirements, including:

• Supplying fresh water,
• Establishing shaded areas, and
• Allowing workers to request cool-down breaks at any time.

When temperatures reach 95 degrees, high-risk industries such as agriculture, construction, and oil and gas are subject to additional requirements, including:

• Observing workers on a regular basis, and
• Establishing emergency communication protocols.

All covered employers are required to establish a heat illness prevention plan.