The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, protects workers and the public from safety hazards through its Cal/OSHA, elevator, amusement ride, aerial tramway, ski lift and pressure vessel programs, and provides consultative assistance to employers.

Heat Illness Information for Employers

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAT ILLNESS:  In a one-year investigation of 25 cases of suspected heat-related illnesses, Cal/OSHA found that more than half of the heat illness victims died, and almost on third of them required hospitalization.  Heat illness can kill you. During hot weather you must take these simple steps to protect yourself.

  • TRAINING:  Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
  • WATER: Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage them to do so.
  • SHADE:  Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool-down.
  • PLANNING:  Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/Osha heat illness prevention standard. Prepare an emergency heat plan and train workers on steps to take if someone gets sick.