Page 95 - Safety Memo

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13. If an employee exhibits or complains of any sign or 2. Take immediate action if any signs or symptoms of heat
symptom of heat illness, initiate first-aid procedures illness in any employee is observed or reported.
without delay.
3. Implement emergency response procedures if the signs or
14. Encourage the employee on cool-down rest to remain in symptoms indicate severe heat illness.
the shade for 5 or more minutes as needed.
4. Do not leave the employee exhibiting signs or symptoms
G. High heat procedures: 3395(e) of heat illness alone or send home without offering onsite
first aid and/or providing emergency medical services.
1. Implement high-heat procedures when the temperature
equals or exceeds 95 ˚F. 5. Contact emergency medical services and, if necessary,
transport employees to a place where they can be
2. Train all employees to recognize the signs and symptoms reached by an emergency medical provider.
of heat illness and allow them to call for emergency medical
services when necessary. 6. In the event of an emergency, make sure that clear
and precise directions to the worksite are provided to
3. Train all employees to stay in contact, observe each other, emergency responders.
and immediately report any signs/symptoms of heat illness.
7. If you have mobile crews, provide the emergency medical
4. Observe and monitor employees for alertness and signs or provider a map of the crew’s location or detailed direction.
symptoms of heat illness by implementing one or more of
the following: I. Acclimatization methods and procedures 3395(g)
a. Supervisor or designee observation of 20 or fewer 1. Make sure that all employees are observed by a
employees supervisor or designee during a heat wave.
b. Mandatory buddy system Note: A “heat wave” means any day in which the
predicted high temperature for the day will be at least
c. Regular communication with sole employee using radio 80 ˚F and at least 10 ˚F higher than the average high daily
or cellular phone
temperature in the preceding 5 days.
d. Other effective means of observation
2. Have a supervisor or designee closely observe any
5. Contact employees regularly. employee who has been newly assigned to a high heat
area for the first 14 days of the employment.
6. Designate one or more employees on each worksite as
authorized to call for emergency medical services. 3. Be extra-vigilant in employee monitoring during heat
waves and when new employees are on the job.
7. Remind employees throughout the work shift to drink
plenty of water. J. Training of employees and supervisors 3395(h).
8. Provide close supervision to new employees as they may 1. Training of employees and supervisors in your heat illness
have less or no acclimatization. prevention plans and procedures is extremely important
for the prevention of heat illness at the workplace.
9. Conduct pre-shift meetings to review the high heat
procedures and to remind employees to drink plenty of 2. Make sure that the employees and supervisors have
water and take a cool-down rest when necessary. training before any anticipated exposure to the risk of
heat illness.
H. Emergency response procedures: 3395(f)
3. Provide training when an employee is hired.
Employers are required to implement effective emergency
response procedures in the workplace. Requirements and 4. Provide refresher training as needed.
guidance include:
Note: Training that is given close in time to the hot
1. Maintain effective communication by voice, observation, or season is more effective than training given during colder
electronic means. seasons without follow-up refresher training.

78 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 79