Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect workers at outdoor and indoor workplaces from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast across California. Heat illness is dangerous and can be deadly.
A heat advisory is currently in effect across most of California, with temperatures in the following areas expected to reach 92 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit through 8pm, May 30, 2025:
| Redding: 88-93° F | Chico: 89-93° F |
| Palmdale: 90-95° F | Riverside: 92-94° F |
| Modesto: 90-95° F | Sacramento: 89-94° F |
| Fresno: 90-94° F | Bakersfield: 89-94° F |
| Stockton: 88-92° F | Coachella: 98-105° F |
| Los Angeles: 94-95° F | Palmdale: 93-94° F |
Employers are reminded that Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards require employers to protect workers from heat illness, especially during periods of high heat. Specific requirements are mandated for both outdoor and indoor workplaces.
Prevention measures mandate that employers train workers on how to identify and respond to heat illness, as well as provide and encourage the use of enough water, shade, and cool-down rest breaks to keep workers safe. Detailed information, including employer requirements, are posted in English and Spanish at www.99calor.org.
Under California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards, employers are legally required to implement protective measures for outdoor workers and must protect workers at indoor workplaces when temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Employers may be covered under both the indoor and outdoor regulations if they have workers in each setting. See Cal/OSHA’s Comparison Chart of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards.
Employers must also maintain a written prevention plan with effective training for supervisors to recognize the common signs and symptoms of heat illness, and what to do in case of an emergency.
In certain industries, when the temperature at outdoor worksites reaches or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, Cal/OSHA’s standards require additional protection. Industries with additional high-heat requirements include agriculture and the transportation of agricultural products. High-heat procedures include ensuring employees are observed regularly for signs of heat illness and establishing effective communication methods so workers can contact a supervisor when needed.
Additional Resources
Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.
Cal/OSHA has established the Heat Illness Prevention (HIP) Network, a voluntary partnership aimed at increasing awareness among employers and workers about the importance of preventing heat illness in California and the importance of taking steps to prevent work-related illnesses and fatalities. To join the HIP Network, email [email protected].