June 20, 2024, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) approved its new “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment” rule (CCR, Title 8, section 3396) for the second time. Earlier in 2024 the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) rejected the new indoor heat standard amid economic impact concerns raised by the California Department of Corrections, therefore, Cal/OSHA revised the standard to exempt the Department of Corrections. The Standards Board requested OAL expedite their 30 business day review process and have the regulation take effect immediately after approval, which would allow enactment late July or early August 2024.

This standard applies to most workplaces where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F. Employers must monitor indoor temperature and heat index, and record whichever is greater, and establish required safety measures for indoor workplaces to prevent worker exposure to risk of heat illness. Also, employers must implement engineering and administrative controls when one of the following conditions exists:

  • Indoor temperature or heat index is 87°F or greater when workers are present;
  • 82°F when wearing clothing that restricts heat removal
  • 82°F in a high radiant heat areas

Click here to access Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources, including a model written program, and answers to FAQs.

Among other requirements, employers must provide drinking water, cool down area, monitor workers during acclimatization period, and establish emergency response procedures. Each worker shall be provided at least one quart of free, potable, fresh, and suitably cool drinking water per hour for the duration of their shift. Employers shall remind and encourage workers to drink water throughout their shifts and in training sessions emphasize the importance of drinking water. Also, employers must provide and maintain at least one cool down area at all times when workers are present. Cool down areas must be large enough to accommodate all workers on recovery, rest, or meal periods, and allow workers to sit in a normal posture without having to touch other workers. Additionally, acclimatization monitoring by a supervisor or designated worker shall take place the first 14 days of assignment and/or during a heat wave. Furthermore, employers must have effective emergency response protocols that:

  • Ensure that supervisors and workers are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness;
  • Provide basic first aid (such as cooling towels and shade);
  • Obtain emergency medical services; and
  • Not allow a worker with signs or symptoms of heat illness to be left alone or sent home without being offered onsite first aid or provided with emergency medical services.

PRISM will continue to monitor the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board and keep members informed of regulatory changes. For questions about this blog or PRISM's monitoring of the Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment standard, please contact John Nichols at jnichols@prismrisk.gov or PRISM Risk Control.