Written by

Kari J. BrownLisa Ann Hilario

As the Weather Heats Up, It’s Important to Remember Cal/OSHA’s New Indoor Heat Prevention Requirements 

Last June, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) approved new measures aimed at preventing heat illness in indoor settings.  These regulations apply to most indoor work sites, including restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses, and take effect when the indoor temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The requirements include providing on-the-clock cool-down rest breaks, water, supervisor training on how to check the weather, and cool-down areas.  Employers are also required to establish, implement, and maintain an effective written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan that includes procedures for the above-listed requirements and also for close observation during acclimatization, training, prompt emergency response, and feasible control measures.

Cal/OSHA’s FAQ website Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Illness FAQ is a valuable resource, providing tools and guidance for navigating these requirements.  All employers are encouraged to review this information and prepare their Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan if the standards apply. It’s also essential for employers to train supervisors on how to comply with these regulations. Non-compliance can result in fines and penalties, so adherence to these established standards is crucial.

It’s important to remember that employers may be covered under both indoor and outdoor heat illness prevention regulations if they have both types of workplaces.  Employers covered by the outdoor heat illness prevention standards must comply with many of the same requirements as those reflected in the new indoor heat illness prevention standards, including a requirement to implement and maintain an Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan.  However, the temperatures triggering obligations in the outdoor setting begin at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and those obligations increase when the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit or more.  For more information on outdoor heat illness prevention standards, visit Cal/OSHA Outdoor Heat Illness Information.

If you have questions about Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standards or need assistance with compliance, please contact an SMT employment law attorney.

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Spaulding McCullough & Tansil LLP
Employment Law Group