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 REGULATORY BULLETIN
Cal/OSHA Issues Major Changes to Heat Illness   Prevention Regulations    



April 7, 2015
On April 16 at 3pm, Cal/OSHA will host an open-conference call meeting and Q&A session regarding the new heat illness prevention regulations.  We strongly encourage you or a representative from your company to participate. UCON will have representatives on the call on behalf of our Members. 
To Participate:
* Please call 800-369-1763.
* This is an operator-assisted call; the verbal passcode is H I P 2015.
* The call will include a Q&A session with directions on how to ask a question.
* If you would like to submit questions in advance of the call, please contact Cal/OSHA via email: [email protected]

For more information and to participate, click here.

For additional information and background please review the information provided below.  

SUMMARY: Revised Heat Illness Prevention Regulations Pose Important Compliance Challenges for Contractors

New HIP Regulatory Compliance - Effective Date: May 1, 2015

 

Cal/OSHA is urging employers with outdoor workers to prepare for heat season now. Review the notice and compliance information here.

An amended heat regulation has been proposed by the Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board. Despite UCON's serious concerns and input on the subjectiveness of these new requirements, the board has requested that the amendments be approved by the Office of Administrative Law with an expedited effective date of May 1, 2015.
 

The proposed amended regulation and guidance on the amendments are posted on DIR's website. UCON strongly encourages Members to participate in the April 16 conference call with Cal/OSHA. 

The section below is a comprehensive list of new changes and what contractors should do to stay in compliance. United Contractors will be working to host compliance classes for the our members.  In addition, we will continue to make all compliance assistance resources available to our members.

NEW CHANGES TO HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION REGULATION: OVERVIEW

The revisions are aimed at specifying the requirements for provision of water and shade. It also ramps up requirements under the high-heat provisions and adds new language on emergency response procedures, acclimation and training. Specifically:

  • Access to shade must be provided when temperature reachs 80 degrees, instead of the current standard of 85 degrees. Shaded area must accommodate all employees on recovery or rest periods, and those onsite taking meal periods.
  • Water must be "fresh, pure, suitably cool" and located as close as practicable to where employees are working, with exceptions when employers can demonstrate infeasibility.
  • Employees taking a "preventative cool-down rest" must be monitored for symptoms of heat illness, encouraged to remain in the shade and not ordered back to work until symptoms are gone. Employees with symptoms must be provided appropriate first aid or emergency response.
  • High-heat procedures (which will remain triggered at 95 degrees) shall ensure "effective" observation and monitoring, including a mandatory buddy system and regular communication with employees working by themselves. During high heat, employees must be provided with a minimum 10-minute cool-down period every two hours.
  • Emergency response procedures include effective communication, response to signs and symptoms of heat illness and procedures for contacting emergency responders to help stricken workers.
  • Acclimation procedures are specified, including close observation of all employees during a heat wave - defined as at least 80 degrees. New employees must be closely observed for their first two weeks on the job.
COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF CHANGES TO HIP:

UCON has put together a comprehensive list of the changes made to the HIP.  To review those changes, please click here.

 

To learn more contact UCON Safety Consultant, Christopher Lee at 510-821-0242.

California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.