Cal/OSHA reminds all employers to protect their workers from heat illness in outdoor and indoor workplaces as high temperatures are forecast throughout Southern California this week.
As more severe weather events become more common in California, late-season heat events are extending into the fall. This year's advisory is among the latest ever issued by Cal/OSHA, surpassing that of 2017 when a notice was issued on October 23. It serves as a reminder that even as seasons change, employers must remain vigilant in protecting workers and be prepared for any rise in temperature.
Temperatures are expected to rise in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Orange counties, ranging from the mid 80s to as high as 94 degrees Fahrenheit between Tuesday and Wednesday.
| Anaheim: 89-93°F | Corona: 89-93°F |
| El Cajon: 88-95°F | Fontana: 89-91°F |
| Fullerton: 88-94°F | La Mesa: 86-90°F |
| Mission Viejo: 85-92°F | Moreno Valley: 91-92°F |
| Ontario: 90-92°F | Orange: 86-94°F |
| Poway: 87-91°F | Rancho Cucamonga: 89-91° F |
| Riverbank: 92-93° F | San Bernardino: 91-93°F |
| San Marcos: 85-90°F | Santa Ana: 87-92°F |
Heat illness is a serious and potentially fatal danger. Under Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention StandardsEmployers are required by law to take protective measures for both outdoor and indoor workers. Employers may be subject to both internal and external regulations if they employ workers in both areas. See this Comparative Table of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards for more information.
Cal/OSHA's Regulation for the prevention of heat illnesses in indoor workplaces Applies to most indoor workplaces such as restaurants, warehouses and manufacturing plants. In indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees, employers must take measures to protect workers from heat illness. Requirements include, but are not limited to, the provision of water, rest and cooling areas, and training.
To prevent heat illness in outdoor workplaces, the law requires employers to provide their outdoor workers with fresh water, access to shade (which must be available in temperatures of 80 degrees or more), and, whenever an employee requests it, cooling down breaks in addition to regular breaks. In certain industries, when outdoor workplace temperatures reach or exceed 95 degrees, the Cal/OSHA standard requires additional protective measures. Industries with additional high heat requirements include agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas production, and the transportation of agricultural products, construction materials, and other heavy materials. Severe heat procedures include regularly monitoring employees for signs of heat illness and establishing effective communication methods.
Employers in both areas must also maintain a written prevention plan with effective training for supervisors so they can recognize the common signs and symptoms of heat illness and know what to do in an emergency.
Additional resources
Cal/OSHA's heat illness prevention priority program includes enforcement of heat standards and multilingual outreach and training programs for employers and employees in California. Details of heat illness prevention requirements and training materials can be found online at the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention website and at the information website 99calor.org. An online heat illness prevention tool is also available on the Cal/OSHA website.
Cal/OSHA has established the Heat Illness Prevention (HIP) Network, a voluntary partnership designed to raise awareness among employers and employees of the importance of heat illness prevention in California and the importance of taking measures to prevent work-related illnesses and deaths. To join the HIP Network, email HIPNetwork@dir.ca.gov.
Via Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from workplace health and safety risks in nearly every workplace in California.
California workers are protected regardless of immigration status. Employees who have questions about safety and health at work You can call 833-579-0927 to speak live with a bilingual Cal/OSHA representative Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Complaints about occupational safety and health hazards can be submitted confidentially to Cal/OSHA District Offices.
Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA Division of Advisory Services at 800-963-9424.
Cal/OSHA is a division of the California Department of Industrial Relations.