California has approved new regulations to protect workers from heat illness in indoor workplaces. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) sanctioned these measures requiring employers to adopt safety measures that go into effect in most cases when indoor temperatures reach 82°F to prevent the risk of heat illness to workers. This standard went into effect on July 23, 2024. 

Scope and Application 

The new regulations, known as the “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment,” apply broadly to most indoor workplaces. “Indoor” refers to a space that is under a ceiling or overhead covering that restricts airflow and is enclosed along its entire perimeter by walls, doors, windows, dividers, or other physical barriers that restrict airflow, whether open or closed.” Under this definition, vehicles such as buses and tractor cabs may be considered indoor workplaces.  

All work areas that are not indoor are considered outdoor and covered by section 3395. These measures mandate that employers implement safety protocols when indoor temperatures reach 82°F to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses. Indoor places of employment with working air conditioning are generally exempt from the regulation. 

Key Requirements 

When indoor temperatures hit 82°F, employers must: 

– Provide accessible water to ensure workers stay hydrated. 

– Allow rest breaks to help workers recover from heat exposure. 

– Offer cool-down areas for employees to lower their body temperatures. 

– Conduct training sessions to educate workers on recognizing and preventing heat illness. 

For workplaces where temperatures escalate to 87°F, additional measures must be adopted, including: 

– Cooling down the work area using methods such as ventilation or air conditioning. 

– Implementing work-rest schedules to balance workload and recovery time. 

– Supplying personal heat-protective equipment to workers. 

These extra precautions also apply at 82°F in environments where workers wear heat-retentive clothing or are exposed to high radiant heat. 

Regulatory Approval and Implementation 

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved these regulations on June 20, 2024, codified under California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3396. The Board requested the immediate effect of these regulations following OAL’s approval to ensure prompt protection for workers as the summer heat intensifies. 

Dual Compliance 

Employers with both indoor and outdoor work environments must comply with the state’s heat illness prevention standards for both settings. A comprehensive comparison chart of the indoor and outdoor standards is available for employers to ensure full compliance. 

Employers are urged to familiarize themselves with these new requirements and implement necessary changes to protect their workers effectively. 

For more detailed information on compliance and best practices, employers can refer to the resources provided by Cal/OSHA and the 99calor.org informational website, as well as a Heat Illness Prevention online tool.