24 WESTERN PALLET
The state's outdoor heat illness prevention standard has been in place for several years, requiring employers to provide water, shade, rest breaks, and training.
However, California's proposed indoor heat illness standard has faced hurdles. Initially set to take effect on July 1, 2024, this standard was disapproved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on May 8, 2024, due to issues related to clarity and procedural correctness. The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) has since revised the regulation to address these concerns. The revised draft includes exemptions and clarifications.
Governor Gavin Newsom has not yet approved the revised indoor rule. Written comments on the new regulation are being accepted until May 30, 2024, with the earliest potential approval date being June 20, 2024.
Oregon and Washington
Oregon and Washington have also implemented state-specific heat illness prevention regulations:
Oregon: Oregon OSHA's rules require employers to provide sufficient cool water, shade, and additional breaks when temperatures reach certain thresholds. The regulations also mandate emergency response procedures and training for workers and supervisors.
Washington: Washington's regulations are similar, with requirements for water, shade, rest periods, and training. The state also uses the heat index to determine when these measures must be implemented.
Both states emphasize the importance of acclimatization and have specific trigger points for when protective measures must be enforced, often using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index or direct temperature measurements to guide these decisions.
The Bottom LIne
The sweltering heat waves of last summer and increasing regulatory oversight underscore an urgent reality: heat illness prevention is no longer optional. Effective heat illness prevention measures can save lives and boost your business's efficiency.
By ensuring access to cool water, providing shade and rest breaks, and offering comprehensive training, you can protect your workforce from the dangerous effects of heat. Moreover, understanding and complying with applicable federal or state regulations will safeguard your employees and business from potential legal and financial repercussions. WPM
Sample training and awareness aids such as slides and posters are available from authorities to help support your heat illness prevention program.