Cal/OSHA Warns Employers To Protect Workers As Early-Season Heat Wave Hits CA

Cal/OSHA is urging employers across California to take steps to prevent heat illness as one of the year's first heat waves pushes temperatures above seasonal averages this week.

The agency said workers may not yet be acclimated to the heat and may need additional breaks and other protections, especially newer employees.

Under state heat illness prevention rules, employers must provide workers with water, shade and rest breaks and maintain written prevention plans and training for supervisors.

For indoor workplaces such as restaurants, warehouses and manufacturing facilities, Cal/OSHA said protections are required when temperatures reach 82 degrees, including access to water, cool-down areas and rest breaks.

For outdoor workers, employers must provide fresh water, shade when temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher, and cool-down breaks upon request. Additional high-heat protections are required at 95 degrees or higher in industries such as agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and some transportation sectors, the agency said.

Cal/OSHA said heat illness can be serious and potentially deadly and urged employers to remain vigilant during the warm spell.

Copyright © 2026 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.