Cal/OSHA launches annual heat illness prevention campaign

Fresno, CA – To help educate employers and workers about heat exposure at outdoor worksites, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched its annual Heat Illness Prevention Program.

The 2014 campaign kicked off March 25, and includes enforcement, outreach and training to highlight hazards related to high temperatures. It also includes targeted inspections at outdoor worksites, such as those in agriculture and construction.

“Employers at outdoor worksites must know the steps to take to prevent heat illness injuries on the job,” Acting Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum said in a press release. Campaign materials are available in both English and Spanish.

California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers of outdoor workers to provide fresh water and shaded areas and ensure employees and supervisors are trained on heat illness prevention, among other requirements.