Cal/OSHA Issues High Heat Warning
The agency's advisory urges employers with outdoor workers to protect them from succumbing to heat illnesses as parts of Southern California are expected to top 100 degrees into next week.
Cal/OSHA has issued a high heat advisory that urges employers with outdoor workers to protect them from succumbing to heat illnesses as parts of Southern California are expected to top 100 degrees into next week.
"It is important for employers to check forecasts and monitor the temperatures to prepare for periods of high heat. That information should be used to closely observe workers for possible heat stress and modify their work schedules as needed," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.
The state's heat illness regulation requires employers of outdoor workers to:
- Develop and implement an effective, written heat illness prevention plan
- Train all employees and supervisors on preventing heat illnesses
- Provide fresh, pure, suitably cool drinking water, free of charge, enough so each worker can drink at least one quart per hour, and also encourage them to do so
- Provide shade when workers ask for it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees and encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes
Cal/OSHA stresses that workers should know they should not wait until they feel sick to cool down. In addition, the agency says employers should take additional precautions when the temperature hits 95 degrees or higher, including ensuring that workers are trained on emergency procedures in case a worker does get sick.