California Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulations

This document is a guide that outlines the new California indoor heat illness prevention regulations implemented by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). These regulations aim to protect workers from heat-related illnesses in indoor environments, particularly as California faces increasing temperatures due to climate change. The regulations require employers to provide access to fresh drinking water, maintain cool-down areas, and monitor indoor temperatures. Employers must also develop a written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan (IHIPP) that includes procedures for employee training, acclimatization, and emergency response. Specific requirements include maintaining a temperature below 82 degrees Fahrenheit in cool-down areas and ensuring that employees can take breaks to prevent heat illness. The regulations went into effect on July 23, 2024, and employers are encouraged to collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance and protect worker safety in high-temperature conditions.