Cal/OSHA is urging employers to protect their outdoor workers during and after the heat advisory, which saw temperatures soar into the triple digits across the county Thursday.
“When temperatures rise to high, potentially dangerous levels, it’s imperative that outdoor workers are protected from heat illness,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations of which Cal/OSHA is a division, said in a statement.
Employees with outdoor workers are required to train their employees and supervisors in heat illness prevention, provide at least a quart of water (4 glasses) each hour, give access to shade and encourage breaks and to comply with Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standards.
“Workers can die when temperatures are elevated,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Employers are responsible for ensuring their outdoor workers have enough shade, water, and rest to prevent heat illness. DIR and Cal/OSHA have resources available to help employers comply with the requirements.”
OSHA does regular inspections of industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping during the summer months. They also consult and train.
Cal/OSHA’s heat illness training program has won awards, and is the first of its kind in the country.
