On August 4, 2023, the Cal/OSHA issued a notice to amend Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations by adding section 3396, which focuses on heat illness prevention in indoor workplaces. If enacted, this proposal will require employers to implement comprehensive heat illness prevention measures in indoor spaces where the temperature reaches or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This regulation mirrors the existing outdoor heat illness prevention regulation. Public comments on the proposed section 3396 will be accepted from August 4 to August 22, 2023. The regulation covers aspects such as providing drinking water, maintaining cool-down areas, temperature monitoring, emergency response procedures, training, and integrating measures into existing safety programs. Cal/OSHA representatives anticipate a vote on the proposed regulation in early 2024, with implementation expected by the summer of the same year.
