Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association Cautions California Employers on Workplace Heat Protections
The Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association has advised its California members to ensure they are compliant with any indoor heat protections that may apply to them.
With the state’s indoor heat protections now in effect, most indoor workplaces will be required to meet certain criteria to ensure safety for their employees.
In workplaces where temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, employers are required to take steps to protect their employees, such as providing water, a place to rest and cool down, and training on how to protect themselves from the heat.
The owner of a Kwik Kar in Texas recently began implementing similar practices in his own shop, even posting notices to customers letting them know the heat may cause delays.
For workplaces where temps reach 87 degrees or higher, employers must take further action, such as cooling the workplace down, enforcing schedules for employees to rest, and providing heat-protective equipment.
It’s important to note that in workplaces with uniforms that restrict heat removal, or in high radiant areas, these additional requirements will still apply even at 82 degrees. Additionally, employers with both indoor and outdoor workplaces may be subject to outdoor regulations as well.
PAMA has provided resources its members can consult for assistance with the requirements, such as Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch. There are also several resources on California’s Department of Industrial Relations website, including a heat illness prevention online tool and a hub of educational material.
