OAKLAND, Calif., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Astemperatures rise across California on this first day of summer, theDepartment of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safetyand Health (Cal-OSHA) is stepping up enforcement of heat illnessprevention requirements at outdoor worksites across the state.
"While we have seen growing compliance with the heat illnessprevention regulations, all employers must continue to be vigilantand take necessary precautions to prevent serious worker illness anddeath due to high heat," said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. "We willbe out there across the state, ensuring that all employers arecomplying with the heat standard. These basic requirements--adequate water, shade, rest breaks, training and emergencyprocedures--can mean the difference between life and death toprotect the most vulnerable employees working outdoors."
Cal/OSHA's efforts this summer are designed strategically totarget employers who evade the law which protects employees fromheat related illness. Enforcement efforts include statewidetraveling heat sweeps, local district actions when temperatures soarand workers are at greatest risk, as well as multi-agencyenforcement through the Economic and Employment EnforcementCoalition.
"Our program will be strategic, focusing on workers at highestrisk in outdoor industries such as agriculture, construction,landscaping and locations where we expect to find seriousviolations. We will be identifying and targeting employers who skirtthe law at workers' expense," added Widess. "Extreme heat can befatal to outdoor workers if these basic protections are notprovided."
Cal/OSHA is providing extensive outreach, consultation, andeducational programs on heat illness prevention for employers andtheir associations and to workers and their organizations thissummer. Partnerships with employer and employee groups, as well ascommunity based organizations have proven successful in reachingboth employers and employees. Cal/OSHA will intensify its mediaoutreach statewide, to Spanish and English press, radio andtelevision to get the word out. The social marketing campaign thatbegan last year in Spanish, Hmong, Mixteco and Punjabi continuesthis summer, with increased efforts to reach out to othercommunities as well. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Program is also workingto train employers and to identify those who engage in bestpractices for heat illness prevention and other worksite safetyprotocols.
"All employers should know that during times of high heat, if wefind that conditions at an outdoor worksite are putting vulnerableemployees at risk due to lack of shade or water, we will shut themdown until hazards are abated," added Widess. "We work closely withother agencies such as the California Labor Commissioner's Officeand the Contractor's State Licensing Board to bring seriousenforcement actions against employers who are found in violation ofhealth and safety and labor standards."
The heat illness prevention standard was strengthened last yearto include a high heat provision that must be implemented by fiveindustries when temperatures reach 95 degrees. These proceduresinclude observing employees, closely supervising new employees, andreminding all employees throughout the shift to drink water. Thespecified industries include agriculture, construction, landscaping,oil and gas extraction and transportation or delivery ofagricultural products, construction material or other heavymaterial.
For more information on heat illness prevention and trainingmaterial visit the Cal/OSHA website at www.dir.ca.gov/heatillness orthe Water Rest. Shade. campaign site at www.99calor.org/campaign/.
Employees with work-related questions or complaints, includingheat illness, can call the California Workers' Information Hotlineat (866) 924-9757 or 1-877-99-CALOR.
Internet: www.dir.ca.gov
CONTACT:Dean FryerErika Monterroza(415) 703-5050
SOURCE Cal/OSHA
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