California heat rules for outdoor workers: shade, water and breaks

Temperatures in Southern California are forecast to climb through the weekend, and afternoons like this one are hardest on people who work outside: roofers, farmworkers, delivery drivers, landscapers, construction crews and many more. California has specific rules for these jobs, and knowing them helps both workers and managers.

Under Cal/OSHA's heat illness prevention standard, employers must provide free, fresh drinking water close to where people work, enough for each worker to drink one quart per hour for the whole shift. Shade must be available when the temperature is above 80°F, and on request when it is cooler. The shade has to be large enough for workers on rest or meal breaks to sit comfortably without touching each other.

Workers are allowed to take a preventive cool-down rest in the shade whenever they feel they need it. During that break, they should be watched for signs of heat illness and not sent back to work until symptoms are gone, and in no case for less than five minutes.

When it reaches 95°F or higher, high-heat procedures apply. These include pre-shift meetings about heat, regular reminders to drink water, close observation of employees, and clear plans for calling emergency services. New workers must be closely observed for their first 14 days in hot conditions, since the body needs time to adjust. Agricultural employers must also provide a 10-minute cool-down rest every two hours at 95°F and above.

If you supervise an outdoor crew, check this afternoon that water, shade and your emergency plan are ready for Friday. If you work outside, keep a water bottle close and take the shade break when you need it.