Cal/OSHA’s draft standard for indoor heat illness is expected to be published on March 31, 2023. It is expected that the formal publication will be followed by a 45-day comment period, which will likely culminate with the Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting on May 18th.
Pending since 2016 when SB 1167 was signed in September of 2016, priority on the development of the standard was overcome by the emergence of Covid-19 and the associated Cal/OSHA regulatory activities. The Board has one year from the date of publication of the draft to act, after which time the process will reset.
Previously, a draft version of the standard was published in 2019, which included some provisions similar to the existing outdoor heat-illness prevention standard such as:
- A written program;
- Provision of water that is potable, accessible and free-of-charge to employees;
- Access to cool-down areas;
- Documented emergency response procedures;
- Requirements for acclimatization; and
- Appropriate training for employees and supervisors.
For helpful information or workplace safety training, including heat-illness awareness and prevention training, please contact Western Growers Insurance Services.
Western Growers Insurance Services is a full-service insurance brokerage offering a suite of insurance products and tailored risk management solutions to agribusiness and related industry members. For more information or assistance, please contact Ken Cooper, Director Risk Strategy for Western Growers Insurance Services, at [email protected].