Indoor Heat Safety: What Employers Need to Know about New Requirements

Did you know? The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) requires workplaces to PREVENT heat-related illness (HRI) when temperatures indoors reach 82 °F or higher when workers are present. 

Requirements include: 

• Provide cool drinking water and remind staff to drink water regularly. 

• Maintain a cool-down area where employees can rest and recover. 

• Monitor indoor temperatures and adjust work practices during heat waves. 

• Train workers to recognize early signs of HRI and know what to do in an emergency. 

• Have a HRI prevention plan in languages understood by employees. 

•  Provide acclimatization for workers who are new or returning to hot conditions. 

What is Heat-related Illness? Can it really happen indoors?

Heat-related illness (HRI) includes heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke, the most serious form of HRI, can happen when your body gets too hot and is unable to cool down. People can get sick from HRI indoors if they work in hot areas or near equipment that produces heat, like stoves, ovens, or laundry machines. Mild cases usually improve by drinking more water and getting rest, but serious cases can be dangerous. Watch for symptoms like dizziness, tiredness, nausea, or confusion. If these symptoms aren’t treated, they can get worse and even end in death. 

Case Study: Heat Risk Indoors – A Personal Experience

“I worked in a skilled nursing facility that didn’t have air conditioning. During long shifts on my feet, I experienced several episodes of heat-related illness (HRI)- including fainting. At the time, I didn’t realize these were symptoms of HRI. My employer never explained the importance of taking breaks, drinking water or resting when working in hot conditions.”

 Alyssa*, former skilled nursing facility worker

 *Name changed to protect privacy

Heat-related illness is serious, but preventable. Be proactive to keep your workplace safe!  

Have questions about Indoor Heat Safety? See our webpages using the link below or email the Worker HEAT (Heat Effects and Tracking) program at WorkHeat@cdph.ca.gov.  

Learn more about Heat Safety 

• Discover effective strategies to keep your workplace safe from heat-related illness. Visit California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Heat Safety Webpages​ for more information.

• Employers of outdoor workers, please visit our CDPH webpage, Employers: Protect Your Workers from Outdoor Heat​ or for laws pertaining to outdoor workplaces please refer to California’s outdoor heat standard.

• Cal/OSHA Consultation Services: All services provided by Cal/OSHA Consultation are free of charge for California employers. To request assistance or learn more about available services, call the toll-free number: 1-800-963-9424.
  If you want to arrange an on-site visit or obtain technical information, contact the Cal/OSHA Consultation area office nearest your workplace or email InfoCons@dir.ca.gov. .

May 2026