Heat Illness Prevention — Jobsite Safety

When the standard applies

Cal/OSHA's heat-illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor places of employment. High-heat procedures kick in at 95 degrees Fahrenheit and require closer observation of workers, mandatory cool-down breaks, and a buddy system or other effective communication.

The four requirements

Employers must provide fresh drinking water, access to shade for cool-down rest periods, written procedures, and training. Workers must be allowed and encouraged to take a preventative cool-down rest of at least five minutes whenever they feel the need.

Acclimatization

New workers and workers returning from absence must be closely observed for the first fourteen days. Heat illness can be fatal within hours, and acclimatization is the most often missed step. If a worker shows signs of heat illness, stop work, provide cool-down, and arrange emergency medical services if symptoms do not quickly improve.