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Cal/OSHA’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard

October 18, 2024

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment standard, effective July 23, 2024, protects employees working in indoor environments where temperatures reach or exceed 82°F. It mandates the implementation of a comprehensive Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Elements of the plan include providing access to potable water, maintaining cool-down areas that are below 82°F, and implementing specific heat illness prevention procedures.

This new standard targets indoor workplaces where temperatures may lead to heat stress and other heat-related health risks. Environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, commercial kitchens, and foundries are just a few examples of the facilities potentially impacted, but any facility where temperatures reach or exceed 82°F when employees are present must comply.

Key Elements of the Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Under this new standard, employers are expected to develop an Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan that includes the following key elements:

1. Provision of Clean Drinking Water

Ensuring access to potable water is fundamental for preventing heat illness. Cal/OSHA specifies that employers must make water available that is “fresh, pure, suitably cool, and free of charge.” Workers should be encouraged to drink water frequently, ideally about “four cups (one quart) per hour” during their shift to stay adequately hydrated, especially in hotter conditions.

2. Establishment of Cooldown Areas and Rest Periods

Cooldown areas are mandatory under the new standard, which states the following: “For indoor workplaces, employers must provide access to at least one cooldown area which must be kept at a temperature below 82°F. Shade and cooldown areas must be blocked from direct sunlight, large enough to accommodate the number of workers on rest breaks so they can sit comfortably without touching each other, and as close as possible to the work areas.” Additionally, employees must be allowed to take cooldown rest periods upon request without fear of retribution or disciplinary action. This measure helps prevent the progression of heat stress into more severe heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

3. Temperature and Heat Index Monitoring

Employers are now obligated to monitor their work environments. Cal/OSHA says to “measure the temperature and heat index and record whichever is greater whenever the temperature or heat index reaches 87°F (or temperature reaches 82°F for workers working in clothing that restricts heat removal or high-radiant-heat areas).”. This real-time monitoring helps businesses ensure they are always aware of heat levels and can adjust workplace practices accordingly to protect employees.

4. Emergency Response and Medical Aid

Cal/OSHA’s new standard includes detailed provisions for emergency response procedures. Employers are expected to “provide first aid or emergency response to any workers showing heat illness signs or symptoms, including contacting emergency medical services.”  This requirement highlights the importance of having a well-coordinated emergency plan with clearly defined responsibilities and response times.

5. Acclimatization Procedures

The standard requires employers to implement a defined acclimatization process for employees working in hot indoor environments. The new standard states the following: “Closely observe new workers and newly assigned workers working in hot areas during a 14-day acclimatization period, as well as all workers working during a heat wave.”  Additionally, during extreme heat events or heat waves, all employees are expected to be monitored more stringently to avoid the rapid onset of heat illness.

6. Training and Education

“Employers must provide training to both workers and supervisors,” according to the new standard. Employers are required to educate employees on the employer’s procedures to control and respond to heat illness, warning signs of heat illness, the importance of hydration, and the proper use of cooldown areas. Supervisors, in turn, are expected to be trained to identify symptoms of heat illness, respond appropriately to emergencies, and manage workloads during periods of extreme heat.

Stay Compliant with Cal/OSHA’s New Standard

Complying with Cal/OSHA’s new heat illness prevention standard is critical for any employer operating in high-temperature indoor environments. With penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines to potential lawsuits, ensuring that your workplace adheres to the standard and implements preventative elements should be a top priority.

Addressing heat illness proactively enhances employee well-being, productivity, and retention. Heat-related illnesses can lead to significant operational disruptions, increased absenteeism, and reduced morale. In the most severe cases, they can result in permanent injuries or fatalities. Employers who invest in a robust Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan are not only safeguarding their workforce, but also minimizing risk.

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Yorke Engineering, LLC has assisted over 2,000 industrial and government facilities with EH&S permitting and compliance throughout California and can assist with your Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Now is a good time to prepare an Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Employers are expected to prepare plans as of July 23, 2024. Learn More here: Heat Illness | Yorke Engineering, LLC

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