California’s New Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulation

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November 4, 2024 | Contributors:

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California’s new indoor heat illness prevention regulation is the first comprehensive law of its kind in the United States, requiring significant protective measures for workers in indoor environments where temperatures meet or exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Effective immediately, this regulation mandates that employers develop an Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan (IHIPP) that ensures worker access to water, cool-down areas, and emergency procedures.

Key Requirements of the New Heat Illness Prevention Regulation

Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan (IHIPP) Employers must create a written IHIPP that can be integrated into their existing Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) or as a standalone document.

This plan must include:

  • Provision of potable, cool water
  • Access to cool-down areas where temperatures are maintained below 82 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Procedures for measuring and recording temperatures and heat indices
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Acclimatization strategies for new and existing employees during heat waves

Additional Measures for Higher Temperatures For workplaces where temperatures reach or exceed 87 degrees Fahrenheit, or where employees wear clothing that restricts heat removal, additional controls are necessary.

These include:

  • Conducting thorough heat hazard assessments
  • Implementing engineering controls, such as air conditioning
  • Applying administrative controls like adjusted work schedules
  • Providing personal heat-protective equipment if other measures are infeasible

Training Requirements All employees must receive training on:

  • Recognizing heat illness symptoms
  • The importance of hydration
  • Emergency response procedures
  • The employer’s IHIPP. Supervisors need additional training on implementing the IHIPP and
  • monitoring weather conditions.

Implications

California’s regulation sets a new benchmark for indoor heat illness prevention, potentially influencing future national standards. Employers in California must quickly adapt to these requirements to ensure compliance and protect their workers from heat-related illnesses. For detailed guidance and resources, employers can visit the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations website.

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