California Approves First-of-a-Kind Indoor Heat Protections for Millions of Workers

Jun 21, 2024, 01:03 PM

California regulators have approved new protections for workers in hot indoor environments, marking a significant step in workplace safety. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board adopted the new indoor heat standard, which mandates rest breaks, water, shade, and other protections to safeguard employees from heat-related illnesses and injuries. This decision comes after a prolonged rulemaking process and a final vote, aiming to implement these protections by the end of the summer. The new regulations, which are the first of a kind, will particularly impact millions of workers in warehouses, kitchens, and other hot indoor workplaces. Advocates are urging prompt implementation to ensure worker safety as temperatures continue to rise.