California heat protection plans are important for the safety of staff and employees. With the temperatures rising fast, you want to stay cool, especially if working outdoors. Protection from harmful high heat temperatures is important for workers safety. In the state of California, employers must protect their employees who work outdoors in the heat.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health are warning employers due to high heat and stress for outside workers. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in triple digits temperatures in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties. Cal/OSHA reminded employers who have outdoor employees that they have to take steps in developing and making an effective written heat prevention plan that also has an emergency response procedure.
Employers must train all of their employees, supervisors about heat and illness prevention. They must also provide fresh drinking water that is free of charge so that each worker can have a quart per hour working. Shade must also be provided when workers ask or when the temperature exceeds eighty degrees. Cal/OSHA also reminds employers that they need to encourage workers to take breaks in the shade for at least five minutes throughout their shifts. If working outdoors make sure to say hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
Industries covered under this regulation include agricultural, construction, industries that work with heavy metals. If employers do not comply with employees requests, the state suggests filing a complaint with Cal/OSHA immediately. Cal/OSHA can also help to work with employers to create a safe and effective health prevention plan customized to certain industries. If you have questions or concerns contact Cal/OSHA at 1(800) 963-9424. To find out more information, click the link below.
