Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness

California JPIA members are reminded to protect outdoor workers from heat illness as excessive heat is expected throughout California this summer. A recent Cal/OSHA News Release advises all employers to take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade, and training. The state’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor workers, including those that spend a significant amount of time working outdoors, such as public works, maintenance, parks and recreation, and public safety personnel. Heat illness is more likely to occur when workers are not accustomed to working at full capacity in the hot weather, so preparation is an essential part of staying safe.

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Supervisors and workers must be trained on the signs and symptoms of heat illness to know when to take steps that can prevent a coworker from getting sick. Employers must also evaluate each worksite, and make sure their workers know their procedures for contacting emergency medical services, which includes directing them to the worksite if needed.

Members with outdoor workers must take the following steps to prevent heat illness:

• Plan: Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
• Training: Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
• Water: Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool, and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least one quart per hour and encourage workers to do so.
• Shade: Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.

Members are encouraged to take advantage of the Authority’s E-Learning Training. The Authority has developed several new e-learning safety courses that comply with Cal/OSHA safety requirements, including Heat Illness – Refresher Training. Additionally, the Authority has developed a Heat Illness Prevention Plan, available on MyJPIA, in accordance with CCR Title 8: Section 3395.

For more information, please contact your regional Risk Manager.

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