(July 16, 2009) The California Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses around the state to take all available precautions to prevent heat illness among their employees as increased temperatures are expected through the week.

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. However, when high temperatures and humidity prevent the body from releasing heat efficiently, 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.

In July 2006, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) implemented new regulations 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.

HIP Network

Cal/OSHA has activated the Heat Illness Prevention Network (HIP Network), launched in 2007 by the CalChamber and other business groups, in cooperation with Cal/OSHA, to warn employers about impending heat emergencies. The network disseminates timely information provided by Cal/OSHA, and encourages the implementation of the recommended prevention measures. The network is the immediate source of information providing employers and employees with the tools to protect employees from heat illness.

The next HIP Network conference call is Monday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m. To participate, call 1-877-602-6975 and enter the pass code: 606-6081 and the # sign.

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.

Heat Illness Training

CalChamber’s Preventing Heat Illness mini-book complies with Cal/OSHA training requirements and is full of clear, medically accurate illustrations and plain-language, bilingual content for easy reader comprehension. This mini-book was prepared with input from Cal/OSHA, which labels it a valuable resource and compliance tool for outdoor workers and supervisors.

CalChamber also recommends that businesses post the Heat Illness Safety and Prevention poster, a tool for the office that reinforces safe work habits in hot environments and serves as a reference to recognize symptoms of heat illness. Both the mini-book and the poster can be purchase together in the Heat Illness Prevention kit.