What Employers Need to Know

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat illness, even indoors. In response, California has enacted new regulations to protect indoor workers, effective July 24, 2024. Here is a comprehensive overview to help you stay compliant and keep your employees safe.

Key Points of the New Regulation

1. Scope & Applicability
   • Applies to most indoor workplaces, including restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
   • Exemptions include local and state correctional facilities and emergency operations.
2. Trigger Temperatures & Required Actions
   • At 82°F, employers must provide water, rest breaks, cool-down areas, and training.
   • At 87°F, additional measures include cooling the work area, adjusting work-rest schedules, and providing personal heat-protective equipment.
3. Special Considerations
   • Additional requirements at 82°F for workers wearing restrictive clothing or working in high radiant heat areas.
   • Employers with both indoor and outdoor workplaces must comply with both sets of regulations.

Read the full News Release here: California indoor heat protections approved and go into effect | California Department of Industrial Relations

Additional Resources

BHHC Safety Center

Log in to the BHHC Safety Center for more resources on Indoor Heat Prevention.

Cal/OSHA

Numerous prepared resources to aid employers in implementing these new protections, including:

1. Detailed compliance guides: Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)
2. Comparison charts for indoor and outdoor heat standards: Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources
3. Online tools and training materials: 99 Calor
4. Consultation Services: Cal/OSHA Consultation Services

Questions?

For further assistance, employers can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 or visit the Heat Illness Prevention web page: Indoor Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)

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State of California  Department of Industrial Relations News Release

Cal/OSHA Will be Conducting Targeted Inspections During the California Heat Wave

As temperatures rise during the summer months, employers must be proactive in safeguarding their workers against heat-related illnesses. A serious concern such as this can affect anyone working in outdoor or hot indoor environments.
Certain occupations and industries are particularly prone to heat illness hazards. Outdoor workers, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and utility workers, are at high risk due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and physically demanding tasks. Indoor workers in settings without proper ventilation or air conditioning can also be susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

On Wednesday, July 12, California’s Department of Industrial Relations published a news release cautioning employers about the California heatwave that the state is likely to feel through Tuesday, July 18.

“Our team is out in full force, conducting targeted high heat inspections with a focus on  construction, agriculture, landscaping, and warehouse industries to ensure employers are complying with the law,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Jeff Killip.

Heat illness prevention requirements and training can be found on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention page. By recognizing the hazards, implementing preventive measures, providing water, and fostering a culture of safety where rest and shade are encouraged, employers can create a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of their workforce.

We encourage all employers to read the full News Release from the Department of Industrial Relations to better equip themselves for the Cal/OSHA Targeted Inspections During Heat Wave ahead.