California sun is here…and with it the heat!

Cal-OSHA’s Heat Illness standard (Title 8, Chapter 4, §3395: www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3395.html) requires employers to have a Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Not having a policy, procedure and conducting the required training could result in employee illnesses, increased X-mods, higher insurance premiums and Cal/OSHA citations!

Your Heat Illness Prevention must comply with these four steps:

  1. Training

  2. Water

  3. Shade

  4. Planning

    (INSITE users type in keyword Heat Illness Prevention for a complete HIPP program)

In 2011, Assembly Bill 2774 expanded the definition of a “Serious” injury, which includes an impairment standard that outlines the possibility of heat illness (“…internal injuries even though skin surface may be intact, respiratory illnesses…”). A “serious” injury could result in an $18,000 fine! 

As of April 2019, there have been several proposed amendments to Cal-OSHA’s Heat Illness Standard. Most importantly is the addition of Indoor Heat:

The proposed changes define Indoor and may be adopted as follows:  “Indoor” refers to a space that is under a ceiling or overhead covering that restricts airflow; and is enclosed along its entire perimeter by walls, doors, windows, dividers, or other physical barriers that restrict air flow, whether open or closed.

Here are 10 Precautions to Avoid Heat Stress:

  1. Gradually adjust to heat when new to a job or after a two-week or longer absence

  2. Drink about 16 ounces before starting, and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 minutes during hot work

  3. Eat well-balanced meals, avoiding heavy or hot food, alcohol and caffeine

  4. Work at a steady pace, minimizing overexertion

  5. Take regular breaks in a cool, well-ventilated area

  6. Know your own limits and ability to work safely in heat

  7. Use general ventilation, cooling fans, and evaporative cooling whenever possible

  8. Plan the most strenuous work for the coolest parts of the day

  9. Wear loose, lightweight clothes. Wear a hat and use sunscreen to work outdoors

  10. Take fast action for symptoms of heat cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke

(INSITE users can click here to take the Heat Illness Prevention Learning Plan)

OSHAAnthony Poston, ARM, AIMheat, osha, compliance, heat illness, waterComment