At the beginning of April, Cal/OSHA launched its 2013 Heat Illness Prevention Program to educate workers and employers on the dangers associated with heat exposure at outdoor worksites. The program’s goal is to prevent heat illness throughout California through greater compliance with the state’s workplace safety regulations.

“As we enter this year’s heat season, it is important we continue our efforts to address heat illness prevention at outdoor worksites,” said Christine Baker, director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), in a statement. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, is a division within the DIR.

As California braces for continued high heat throughout the state, it’s important for all employers in agriculture, construction, landscaping and other outdoor industries to take basic steps to protect their workers, including such steps as providing shade and water.

Special “High Heat” procedures kick into gear when temperatures reach 95 degrees, and supervisors must take extra precautions, including observing employees, closely supervising new employees and frequently reminding workers to drink water.

Training dates start in April and end in September. Check this DIR webpage for more details.

Remember, you can download OSHA's "Heat Safety Tool" app for Android, iPhone and Blackberry.

Author: Gail Cecchettini Whaley

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