As California braces for triple digit temperatures this year, Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to be diligent in protecting their workers during the current and future heat waves. California’s outdoor workplace Heat Illness Prevention regulations require employers to take four steps to prevent heat illness:

• Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
• Water – Provide enough fresh water so that each worker can drink at least one quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so.
• Shade – Provide shaded areas upon request or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, and encourage any worker to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes to protect against overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
• Planning – Develop and implement effective written emergency response procedures for complying with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

Cal/OSHA will inspect outdoor worksites of industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping throughout the heat season. For additional information, visit Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page or Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention e-tool.

Western Growers Insurance Services has trained safety specialists who can also assist members with heat illness training and preparation. For information, please contact Ken Cooper, director of risk strategy at WGIS, at (949) 379-3858.