Cal/OSHA launched its 2012 heat illness campaign aimed at preventing worker deaths and illnesses due to heat exposure at outdoor workplaces.

Cal/OSHA already started inspections in California to ensure compliance with the heat illness prevention standard, and will conduct coordinated inspections across the state throughout the summer.

Cal/OSHA will also team with employer and worker organizations to educate workers about heat illness prevention. Cal/OSHA will continue its ongoing outreach efforts and engage in an extensive multilingual media campaign to remind workers and employers of their obligations.

Cal/OSHA will also provide statewide heat illness prevention training. Training dates are available from May through September. For more information about Cal/OSHA training, visit Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness web page.

In 2005, California became the first state in the nation to adopt heat illness regulations on an emergency basis. The regulations became permanent in 2006. 

In 2010, the regulations were strengthened to include a high heat provision applicable to five industries:  agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and transportation/delivery of agricultural products.

The high heat provision applies whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees and includes observing employees, closely supervising new employees, and frequently reminding workers to drink water.

Author: Gail Cecchettini Whaley

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