August 24, 2025
California summers are no joke, and neither are Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention rules. California employers have new obligations under the heat and illness prevention laws. Both indoor and outdoor workplaces are covered, and employers must take action to keep workers safe when temperatures rise. Here’s what you need to know:
For Outdoors Workers
Under the new heat and illness prevention laws, once it hits 80°F, employers need to provide drinking water, shade, rest breaks, and emergency procedures. At 95°F, certain industries, including agriculture, construction, and landscaping, must add extra “high-heat” safeguards like closer supervision and frequent check-ins.
For Indoor Workers
Employers must provide water, cool-down areas, acclimatization, and training under the new heat prevention laws once indoor temps reach 82°F. Stronger protections kick in at 87°F, or even 82°F if workers wear heat-trapping gear or work near radiant heat.
You Are Required to Have Written Plan
Covered employers (those whose workplaces reach these temperatures) must have a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan covering the entitlements to water, shade, acclimatization, emergencies, and high-heat protocols. The Plan can be incorporated into the broader Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) (which every California employer must have!) and referenced in the Company’s employee handbook.
Employers Must Provide Training
Both supervisors and employees must be trained on recognizing symptoms, reporting concerns, and responding to heat emergencies. Supervisors need additional training on monitoring conditions and managing emergencies.
Your Next Steps
If you haven’t done so already:
- Measure your workplace temperature/heat index to confirm coverage
- Draft your IIPP (and update as necessary to include heat illness prevention rules. While you’re at it, make sure your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan is up to date!)
- Review your water, shade, and emergency response access processes to make sure they are compliant and communicated.
- Train employees and supervisors. This isn’t just a great idea, it is the law.
- Implement control measures if you hit the 87°F (or high radiant heat/heat-trapping clothing at 82°F) threshold.
If your business has both indoor and outdoor operations, review each environment separately and make sure you’re covered. Cal/OSHA has stressed that a cookie-cutter IIPP is not enough. Your IIPP must be tailored to your specific workplace. We know these laws can be complicated . . .Need help navigating the new standard? We are happy to help!
