With temperatures already climbing and triple-digit heat forecasted across California, it’s more important than ever for employers to ensure full compliance with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Regulations. Whether your employees work outdoors or indoors, extreme heat poses serious health risks that can lead to illness, injury—or worse, fatalities. Now is the time to review your heat illness prevention plans and make sure your workplace is prepared.
Heat Illness is a Serious and Growing Concern
According to data from Cal/OSHA, occupational heat-related illnesses in California have increased significantly—from 3.5 per 100,000 workers in 2000 to over 10 per 100,000 by 2017. Despite the introduction of heat illness prevention standards in 2006 for outdoor work environments, the numbers continue to rise, highlighting the critical need for awareness, training, and compliance.
In response to this ongoing issue, California extended its heat illness prevention standards in July 2024 to cover indoor workplaces. While many employers are familiar with the outdoor requirements, the indoor regulations bring new obligations that businesses must now integrate into their safety programs.
Know the Triggers: When the Regulations Apply
For outdoor workplaces, the heat illness prevention regulations are triggered when the temperature hits 80°F. For indoor environments, however, the threshold is even lower—just 82°F. This means that even office settings, warehouses, or commercial kitchens could fall under the scope of Cal/OSHA’s indoor heat illness requirements during the summer months.
What Employers Must Do to Stay Compliant
To protect your workforce and avoid costly penalties, employers must take proactive steps, including:
- Plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive, written Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) that includes procedures for emergency response, shade access, water availability, and employee monitoring.
- Train: Ensure all employees and supervisors receive training on the signs and prevention of heat illness—especially new or seasonal workers who may not be acclimated to high-heat conditions.
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Hydrate: Provide clean, cool, and accessible drinking water—enough for each worker to drink at least one quart per hour. Encourage regular hydration throughout the workday.
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Rest: Encourage employees to take five-minute cool-down breaks in the shade when they feel overheated. Don’t wait for symptoms of illness to appear—prevention is key.
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Provide Shade: Make shaded areas available whenever temperatures exceed 80°F. Workers have the right to request and use shade at any time.
- Monitor: During heat waves or when assigning employees to hot environments, observe workers closely for signs of heat illness. Acclimatization is essential—gradually increasing workloads and offering more frequent breaks helps employees safely adapt.
How JorgensenHR Can Help
At JorgensenHR, we understand how overwhelming compliance requirements can be—especially as regulations evolve. That’s why we’re here to help. Whether you need to develop a new indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan or update your existing outdoor plan, our HR experts can guide you every step of the way.
Protect your team. Stay compliant. And give yourself peace of mind knowing you have the right plan in place.
Call us at 661-600-2070 or email info@jorgensenhr.com to get started today. Let JorgensenHR be your partner in safety this summer and beyond.
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