Cal-OSHA is developing new regulations regarding heat stress for indoor workers and CLFP is actively participating in that proceeding. The recent heat waves across many parts of California necessitate that employers with outdoor workers make sure that they are in full compliance with existing regulations for outdoor workplaces. Employers are required to take these four steps to prevent heat illness:

1. Train all outdoor employees and their supervisors about heat illness prevention
2. Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least one quart per hour, and encourage them to do so.
3. Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
4. Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal-OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

Employers should note that additional requirements are triggered when temperatures exceed 95 degrees. Cal-OSHA has been actively enforcing these regulations. To determine if you may have workers covered by this rule or to obtain sample procedures or training materials in both English and Spanish visit www.dir.ca.gov.