Governor Schwarzenegger Urges Californians to Prepare for Hot Weather

Release Date: 07/16/2010
GAAS:442:10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reminds Employers to Adhere to California’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement reminding Californians to take precautions and prepare for increased temperatures over the weekend:

“As temperatures rise over 100 degrees in many areas of the state now and over the weekend, I urge Californians to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness. With just a few simple steps, such as drinking an adequate amount of water, staying indoors during the hottest times of the day and pacing yourself when outside, we can all keep cool and safely enjoy the outdoors during hot weather.

“I also want to remind outdoor workers and those that employ them of California’s stringent regulations to prevent heat illness. This includes providing shade for workers to rest out of the heat of the sun and encouraging employees to continuously drink water. With these measures, everyone can have a fun and healthy summer.”

On Wednesday, July 14, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) urged employers to make sure they are in full compliance with California’s heat illness prevention standards. And on Thursday, July 15, the Governor’s California Emergency Management Agency urged Californians to take steps now to prepare for any prolonged heat waves that occur this year.

To reduce the risk of heat illness for those working outdoors, drink plenty of water (at least one quart per hour) and take necessary breaks in the shade for at least five minutes when a preventative recovery period is needed. Employers must also ensure all employees are trained about heat illness prevention before they begin working.

Californians should use the following tips to stay cool:

Increase your fluid intake, especially water, regardless of your activity level. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda and tea.

If you or someone you know is feeling ill from the heat, remove them from the heat immediately, offer water and seek medical help or call 911.

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

Check on neighbors, family members and pets to ensure they are not being harmed by the heat.

Turn on air conditioning, swamp coolers, portable or ceiling fans to help keep rooms cooler.

Visit malls, theaters and other public places that are air-conditioned if a person doesn’t have his or her own air conditioning.

Under Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership, California became the first state in the nation to develop a safety and health regulation addressing heat illness in 2005. Cal/OSHA issued permanent heat illness prevention regulations to protect outdoor workers in 2006. Last year, the Governor supported strengthening those standards to better enable enforcement and to ensure that shade and additional protections are present during hot weather.

Additional tips on preparing for heat-related emergencies are available on the following web sites:
California Emergency Management Agency: http://www.calema.ca.gov
California Department of Public Health (CDPH): http://www.cdph.ca.gov
California Division of Occupational Safety and Health: http://www.dir.ca.gov/HeatIllnessInfo

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http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/15612