As California experiences record-breaking triple-digit temperatures, the state has rolled out new regulations to safeguard indoor workers from extreme heat. This significant move addresses a growing concern as heatwaves become more frequent and intense.
- New Heat Protection Standards: California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has finalized regulations to protect indoor workers from extreme heat. While the state has long had heat safety standards for outdoor workers, these new rules extend similar protections to indoor environments. The regulations, approved last month and effective immediately, mandate cooling requirements for indoor workplaces.
- Cooling Requirements: Under the new rules, indoor workplaces must maintain temperatures below 87 degrees Fahrenheit during working hours. For areas where employees wear protective clothing or are exposed to radiant heat, such as near furnaces, the temperature must be kept below 82 degrees. Workplaces without air conditioning are permitted to use fans, misters, or other methods to reduce heat.
- Compliance and Cost Concerns: Businesses are required to provide water, breaks, cooling areas, or cooling vests if they cannot achieve the prescribed temperatures. However, there are concerns about the financial impact, particularly for small businesses and those in older buildings. Robert Moutrie from the California Chamber of Commerce highlighted that the cost of installing air conditioning can be prohibitive, especially for tenants in rented properties.
- Regulatory Timeline and Exemptions: The regulations have been in the works since 2016 but were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. An expedited review was necessary to ensure workers were protected before the peak summer heat. Notably, prisons and local correctional facilities are exempt from these rules due to projected high implementation costs. A separate regulation for these facilities is expected to be developed over the next year.
- Federal and State Response: California is at the forefront of addressing climate change’s impact on worker safety. Earlier this month, the Biden administration proposed federal heat exposure rules for both indoor and outdoor workers. These measures highlight the increasing recognition of heat-related risks as extreme temperatures become a leading weather-related hazard in the U.S.
California’s new indoor heat protection regulations mark a critical step in addressing the impacts of extreme heat on workers. As temperatures rise, these standards aim to improve safety and provide much-needed relief in the workplace. While businesses face challenges in meeting these requirements, the regulations represent a proactive approach to managing the health risks associated with climate change.
