California indoor heat law

California has implemented new regulations aimed at protecting indoor workers from heat illness, which took effect immediately following approval by the Office of Administrative Law. The regulations require employers in indoor workplaces, such as warehouses and restaurants, to implement safety measures when temperatures reach 82°F, including providing water, rest areas, and training. Additional requirements are mandated at 87°F, such as work-rest schedules and personal heat-protective equipment. The regulations exempt certain facilities, such as prisons and emergency operations, and require a written prevention program to ensure compliance. Labor advocates have hailed this regulation as a significant step in safeguarding workers against extreme heat, especially as triple-digit temperatures sweep through California. The new rules come in response to a rising number of complaints about heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the urgent need for enforcement to protect vulnerable workers.