News
Release No.: 2017-44
Date: June 15, 2017
Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers with Outdoor Workers to
Protect Them from Heat Illness as Temperatures Rise Around California
Oakland—Cal/OSHA is
reminding all employers to protect their outdoor workers from heat illness,
especially those not accustomed to working in high heat conditions. Employers
need to ensure workers are drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the
shade as temperatures rise across many regions of California. The National Weather Service
is forecasting unusually high temperatures throughout the state, which will
remain high for the rest of this week and into next week.
“California
rules are very clear on how employers must protect their workers from heat
illness,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Our goal is to prevent deaths and
serious illnesses and injuries caused by exposure to heat.”
Special
attention must be given to new employees who have not been acclimatized to
working under hot conditions, as they are particularly vulnerable to heat
illness. They must be monitored carefully for signs of heat illness and should,
if possible, be allowed to begin work earlier in the day when the temperature
is lower or gradually work up to a full schedule.
Many
regions of the state will be reaching temperatures in the triple digits. When
temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, employers are required to implement
high-heat procedures to ensure outdoor workers are protected. Procedures
include effective monitoring of all workers through methods such as a mandatory
buddy system for workers or regular communication with workers who work alone.
California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard
requires employers to train workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illness,
provide shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, develop emergency response
procedures and train workers on how to execute those procedures when necessary.
Cal/OSHA
inspects outdoor worksites in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and other
operations throughout the heat season. Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention
program, the first of its kind in the nation, includes enforcement of heat
regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training for California’s
employers and workers. Online information on heat illness prevention
requirements and training materials are available on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention
web page or the Water. Rest.
Shade. campaign site. A Heat
Illness Prevention e-tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.
Cal/OSHA
helps protect workers from safety and health hazards on the job in almost every
workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s
Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to
employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call
(800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
Employees
with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in
English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’
Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and
Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed
confidentially with Cal/OSHA
district offices.