(June 2, 2008) With summer fast approaching the California Chamber of Commerce is urging employers to take precautions and be aware of the signs of heat illness in their employees.

In response to forecasts of hotter weather, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has activated the Heat Illness Prevention Network, launched last year by the CalChamber and other business groups, in cooperation with Cal/OSHA, to warn employers about impending heat emergencies.

As part of the prevention network, employers are encouraged to allow workers to assimilate to the heat and take other heat illness prevention measures, such as providing ample water, cool areas for rest breaks when needed, emergency procedures in case a worker gets sick, and training for all employees on recognizing and responding to heat illness.

Cal/OSHA notes that the first heat wave of the year poses a special threat because workers aren’t accustomed to the high temperatures.

Heat Illness

Heat illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is unable to maintain an acceptable temperature. Under normal circumstances, the body cools itself by sweating. When high temperatures and humidity prevent the body from releasing heat efficiently, however, a person’s body temperature can rise quickly causing numerous symptoms.

If left untreated, high body temperatures can damage the brain and other vital organs and, ultimately, lead to death.

Cal/OSHA has regulations in place to protect outdoor employees from the effects of heat exposure and mandated training requirements for employees and supervisors on the prevention, symptoms and treatment of heat illness. The regulations apply to all companies with employees working in outdoor places of employment.

In addition to the training requirements, employers must provide potable drinking water, access to shade and compile heat illness prevention procedures, including employee training in writing.

Indoor workplaces can also pose a risk for heat illness, especially in times of triple-digit temperatures outside, so all employers are urged to be vigilant in taking steps to prepare for and avoid heat illness, including employee training.

Awareness Training

The CalChamber’s Heat Illness Prevention in California mini-book complies with the Cal/OHSA training requirements and is full of clear, medically accurate illustrations as well as plain-language, bilingual content for easy reader comprehension.

The 5-by-5 inch mini-book easily fits in a vehicle, toolbox, office desk or jacket or pants pocket as a constant reference for employees and supervisors to help avoid, identify and if necessary, take action to treat heat illness symptoms. In addition, each mini-book comes with a wallet card that employees can carry with them.

The Heat Illness Prevention in California mini-book was prepared with input from Cal/OSHA, which labels it a valuable resource and compliance tool for outdoor workers and supervisors.

More Information

For more information or to purchase the Heat Illness Prevention in California mini-book or the Heat Illness Safety and Prevention poster, visit www.calbizcentral.com and go to the heat illness solutions section.

For more information on heat illness, visit the Cal/OSHA website at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh. To join the Heat Illness Prevention Network, which is managed by Cal/OSHA, e-mail communications@dir.ca.gov.