Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers Of Heat Rules Amid SoCal Warnings
Extreme heat warnings across Southern California are prompting renewed employer requirements for heat-illness prevention.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Aug 28, 2026
Workers across Southern California are facing extreme heat as the National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings prompting Cal/OSHA to remind employers of required heat-safety measures.
The warnings cover Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 112 degrees in some areas, with temperatures as high as 113 degrees possible in the Coachella Valley.
Under Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Standards, employers must protect workers from heat illness in both indoor and outdoor workplaces. Indoor employers must take protective measures when temperatures reach 82 degrees, including providing water, rest and access to cool-down areas.
Outdoor employers must provide fresh water, access to shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees and cool-down rest breaks when requested by workers. When temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, employers in industries including agriculture and construction must follow additional requirements, including regularly observing workers for signs of heat illness.
Employers must also maintain a written heat illness prevention plan and train workers to recognize heat illness symptoms and respond to emergencies.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.