09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 13:30
ADVISORY
Cal/OSHA reminds employers to protect workers from heat illness as extreme temperatures are forecast across California on Thursday and Friday.
Expect high temperatures to include:
Redding: 106 °F | Chico: 104°F |
Modesto: 104°F | Sacramento: 104°F |
Fresno: 107°F | Bakersfield: 105°F |
Palmdale: 106°F | Riverside: 111°F |
San Bernardino: 111°F | Imperial County: 119°F |
Los Angeles: 102°F | San Diego: 87°F |
"Even though the summer season is ending, employers must continue to monitor the weather and protect workers from heat illness, especially during periods of high heat," said Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee.
In September 2022, some of the hottest days were recorded in cities across California when an extreme heat wave lasted from August 31 to September 9. During this time, Cal/OSHA coordinated with other state agencies to provide additional resources for power outages and conducted targeted inspections of at-risk worksites.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cal/OSHA's heat illness prevention standards require employers to protect workers from heat illness, especially during periods of high heat like this week. There are specific requirements for both outdoor and indoor workplaces.
To prevent heat illness, employers must 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. All of the requirements are posted in English and Spanish on www.99calor.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program includes enforcement of the heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California's employers and workers. 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 helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Workers who have questions about heat illness prevention in indoor and outdoor places of employment can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a bilingual Cal/OSHA representative Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
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].