California employers are now required to adopt safety measures for when indoor workplace temperatures reach 82°F or higher to prevent the risk of heat illness to workers, the California Department of Industrial Relations announced Wednesday.
Approved Tuesday by the Office of Administrative Law, the new rules apply to most indoor workplaces, such as restaurants, warehouses and manufacturing facilities and require employers to provide water, rest, cool-down areas and training.
When the temperature reaches 87°F, employers, “where feasible,” must also implement work-rest schedules and provide personal heat-protective equipment.
Where workers wear clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas, the additional requirements apply at 82°F, according to the new regulations.