Heat Illness Prevention Regulations for California Workers: What You Need to Know

Starting July 1, 2024, California wil be enforcing heat illness prevention regulations to protect both indoor and outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses. These regulations, mandated by Cal/OSHA, are outlined in Title 8, Sections 3395 and 3396 of the California Code of Regulations.

Key Requirements:

Outdoor Workplaces (Section 3395):

1. Water: Employers must provide fresh, cool, and free drinking water. Each worker should be able to drink at least 32 ounces per hour.

2. Shade: Shade must be provided when temperatures exceed 80°F. Workers can request shade at any time.

3. Rest Breaks: Employers must encourage workers to take cool-down rest periods in the shade.

4. High-Heat Procedures: Specific procedures must be in place when temperatures reach or exceed 95°F, including observing workers for signs of heat illness and ensuring communication about heat risks.

Indoor Workplaces (Section 3396):

1. Temperature Monitoring: Indoor workplaces must monitor temperatures. When temperatures exceed 82°F, steps must be taken to reduce heat exposure.

2. Cool-Down Areas: Employers must provide areas with temperatures below 82°F for workers to cool down.

3. Water and Rest Breaks: Similar to outdoor regulations, workers must have access to fresh drinking water and cool-down rest periods.

4. Emergency Response: Procedures must be in place to provide first aid or emergency response to workers showing signs of heat illness.

Additional Measures:

Training: Both outdoor and indoor workers must receive training on heat illness prevention, including recognizing symptoms and understanding prevention measures

.

Record Keeping: Employers must maintain records of training, incidents of heat illness, and corrective actions taken.

Governor Newsom has also signed additional legislation to address extreme heat impacts, including creating advisory committees to study heat effects on workers and establishing advance warning systems for extreme heat events. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance California's climate resilience and protect vulnerable populations from heat-related health risks.

For more details on the specific requirements and resources for compliance, employers and workers can visit Cal/OSHA’s [Heat Illness Prevention page] (https://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html

Produce Trust is dedicated to helping our clients navigate regulatory changes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (213) 623-6293 or richard.arias@apdbla.com. Together, we can ensure a safer workplace for everyone.

To obtain a template to help you design your own Heat Illness Prevention Plan, Call Richard Arias at (213) 623-6293 or email richard.arias@apdbla.com