Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers with Outdoor Workers to Protect Them from Heat Illness as Temperatures Rise Across Southern California

Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect their outdoor workers from the risk of heat illness, as temperatures in Southern California will climb into the high 90s today, with forecasts reaching over 100 degrees in some areas over the first half of the week.

“Heat waves can occur well into autumn in California, so it’s important to remind employers of their responsibilities to protect workers from heat-related illness,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Our goal is to prevent illnesses and deaths caused by exposure to heat.”

Cal/OSHA urges workers experiencing possible overheating to take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade until symptoms are gone. Workers who have existing health problems or medical conditions that reduce tolerance to heat, such as diabetes, need to be extra vigilant. Some high blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also increase a worker’s risk for heat illness.

In addition to the basic steps outlined by California’s heat regulation for employers with outdoor workers, heat at or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit requires employers to take additional precautions. Among other measures, it is crucial that workers are actively monitored for early signs of heat illness. This helps ensure sick employees receive treatment immediately and that the symptoms do not develop into a serious illness or death.

Employers must train supervisors and workers on emergency procedures in case a worker does get sick to ensure that the worker receives treatment immediately and serious illness does not develop.

Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program, the first of its kind in the nation, includes enforcement of heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training program for California’s employers and workers. Online information on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page and the Water. Rest. Shade. campaign site. A Heat Illness Prevention e-tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.

Recent Posts

WPCCA ConstructConnect Live Demo

Join us for a live demo with ConstructConnect, the leading preconstruction platform that helps commercial construction professionals find more projects, bid smarter, and work faster. Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm Location: via Zoom Key Takeaways: Access 750,000+ active…

October 8, 2025

WPCCA AI for Personal Productivity & Firm Transformation Workshop

In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, AI consultant Stjepan Mikulic will help you turn AI into measurable results—both personally and across your entire firm. You’ll learn how to create custom GPTs, use AI to build presentations, visuals, and reports. Then, we’ll…

September 24, 2025

WPCCA Document Crunch Live Demo

Join us for a live demo of Document Crunch, the industry’s leading AI-powered risk platform built to simplify complex contracts and project documents, accelerate decision-making, and keep projects moving forward. Document Crunch empowers your team to quickly review contracts, specifications,…

September 10, 2025

WPCCA 3 Pillars of AI Implementation Webinar

Join us for an engaging presentation with Stjepan Mikulic, founder of AI in AEC, a global training provider serving architects, engineers, and construction professionals in more than 60 countries. Stjepan will explore the three key aspects every firm must navigate…

August 21, 2025

What Employers Need to Know About No Tax on Overtime

On July 3, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R.1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” ending a dramatic journey through Congress that dominated headlines in recent weeks. The Act includes several provisions related to campaign promises…

July 23, 2025
MORE STORIES