State adopts new heat stress regulations

SACRAMENTO
June 16, 2006 6:38am

A permanent heat stress regulation, which covers all California employees working outdoors, has been adopted by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board on a 6-0 vote.

It’s expected to go into effect in 30 days.

The permanent regulation follows the summer of 2005 when 13 people died due to heat-related illness while working outdoors, the state says.

"California has adopted the first heat illness prevention regulation in the country, taking the lead in prevention and saving lives," says Len Welsh, acting chief of Cal-OSHA, in a written statement. "With temperatures in California summers often reaching triple digits, it's imperative that we protect those who work outdoors."

Emergency heat regulations were adopted in August 2005 prompted by the possible heat-related incidents reported to Cal-OSHA last summer.

A state investigation found that heat illness was directly responsible for 13 work-related deaths in 2005, as well as in a high percentage of other incidences such as accidents.

Heat illness is a medical condition that results from the body's inability to cope with heat and cool itself and includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke.

The permanent heat illness prevention standard, Title 8, Chapter 4, Section 3395, Heat Illness Prevention, applies to all outdoor places of employment and focuses on the provision of shade, water, acclimatization and training.

"Prevention is the best defense against heat-related illnesses. Once a worker actually becomes ill from the effects of heat it can be too late," says Mr. Welsh.