The Cal/OSH Standards Board unanimously adopted Division of Occupational Safety and Health-recommended revisions to the state heat illness prevention standard, a year after the rulemaking body rejected proposed emergency revisions.

Labor advocates told the board that the revisions weren't enough to protect vulnerable workers, but DOSH Chief Len Welsh said it is "necessary and time" to adopt the changes to General Industry Safety Orders §3395. In summary, the rulemaking package institutes "shade up" provisions when the temperatures reach 85F, "high-heat" procedures at 95F, clarifies what constitutes a "shade break" and creates exemptions from the shade-up requirement for employers for whom it is not feasible, providing the alternative is just as effective as shade.

Department of Industrial Relations Director John Duncan called the vote "a real accomplishment." He added, "It's the culmination of a lot of effort. I'm very pleased with the board's activities."

Look for complete details on this important development in Cal-OSHA Reporter.