Even though Cal/OSHA has yet to approve its proposed standards on Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment (under review since 2017) it is nonetheless stepping up enforcement efforts to identify and evaluate indoor heat-related workplace hazards, and correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions based on the severity of the hazards.

Title 8 Cal. Code Regs., Section 3202 requires all employers to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program with a general duty to develop a system for ensuring safe and healthy work practices.

When it comes to assessing indoor heat hazards, employers should remain vigilant in monitoring air temperature, humidity levels, air circulation and heat sources inherent in the work environment such as machinery or ventilation exhaust.

With increased enforcement efforts on the horizon, employers should maintain and/or update existing Injury and Illness Prevention Program documents to include the following:

[Teresa McQueen is corporate counsel for Western Growers.]

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