A proposed permanent set of revisions to California’s heat illness prevention standard, was published by the Cal/OSH Standards Board: General Industry Safety Orders 3395.

“This is the third attempt by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to make changes to the landmark standard; two other emergency proposals were failed before the Standards Board this summer. The new proposal is similar to one that ended in a 3-3 tie in a July board vote, and it has the backing of the Schwarzenegger administration. In fact, after the failed vote, the governor criticized the board for not adopting the new protections.

The permanent revisions would require employers to have shade erected and ready for workers when temperatures exceed 85F and accommodate at least 25% on the shift at any one time. Shade would be required to be available below 85F and employers would have to provide “timely access” if a worker requests it.

Additionally, it establishes “high-heat” procedures, triggered at 95F. They include:

• Effective communication so that employees can contact a supervisor if necessary.
• Observing employees for symptoms of heat illness
• Reminding employees to drink plenty of water
• Close supervision of new employees

The proposal also eliminates the term “preventative recovery period,” but adds a provision stating that employees “shall be allowed and encouraged to take a cool-down rest in the shade” for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to prevent overheating.

The proposal also strengthens 3395′s training provisions.”

The public hearing will be on Oct 15 in Oakland.

Source: Cal-OSHA Reporter