As summer approaches it is important that employers with employees who work outdoors prepare for the hot summer months to ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA heat and agriculture requirements to protect their employees from heat illnesses.
Proper training and preparation are vital to prevent serious heat illnesses while working outdoors and avoid Cal/OSHA violations. As an employer, it is your responsibility to properly train your employees to know the signs and symptoms of heat illness, so the right steps are taken if an employee begins to show heat illness symptoms.
The most frequent heat-related violations that Cal/OSHA cites during enforcement inspections include inadequate access to water and shade, lack of training, and failure to have an effective written heat illness prevention policy.
Employers must take basic precautions such as training all employees and supervisors on heat prevention, providing access to shade and encourage employees to take cool‐down rest as required (which can vary depending on the temperature). Employers must also provide and encourage employees to drink cold water to be compliant with Cal/OSHA heat and injury prevention standards.
Now is the time to prepare for the summer months, and ensure that you are compliant with Cal/OSHA heat prevention requirements. Employers should not wait until temperatures begin to rise to review heat prevention and training procedures. Being proactive can benefit you and your employees in the summer months! If you have any questions regarding compliance with Cal/OSHA requirements, contact our employer attorneys at Chauvel & Glatt.
This material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (Photo credit: 123rf.com)
