Changes to California’s Heat Illness Standard

January 29, 2016 2:34 am
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has issued an amendment to its Heat Illness Standard, which applies to all outdoor places of employment. If you have employees who work outdoors, or in an indoor environment that lacks air conditioning, it will be important to understand these changes, which became effective May 1, 2015. One change is that the temperature threshold at which employers must provide shade and allow employees to take a cool-down recovery period has been reduced from 85 to 80 degrees.
The amount of shade provided must be enough to accommodate the total number of employees taking a recovery or rest period. The Standard previously stated shade must accommodate 25% of employees on the shift, and the new requirement may increase the amount of shade you must make available. Also, employers now have greater responsibilities when an employee takes a cool-down recovery period to avoid heat illness. The amended Standard states that the individual should be monitored for symptoms of heat illness, be encouraged to remain in the shade for no less than 5 minutes, and shall not be ordered back to work until any signs or symptoms of heat illness have abated. If the employee exhibits symptoms of heat illness during the cool-down rest, the employer must provide appropriate first aid or emergency response. High heat procedures must be taken when outdoor temperatures reach 95 degrees, and the amended Standard provides greater details regarding employers’ responsibilities to ensure effective communication, monitor employees, encourage recovery periods and hydration, and contact emergency medical services when necessary. Finally, a Heat Illness Prevention Plan must be provided in writing in both English and the language understood by the majority of the employees.
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