With summer approaching, it’s important to protect our community from heat illness in the workplace.
A California regulation requiring indoor heat illness prevention went into effect in 2024—and it has real consequences.
Several UC campuses have already faced fines for noncompliance, with departments footing the bill. With rising temperatures, we all share an obligation to keep our workspaces safe and up to standard.
To help you get up to speed, we’re offering two sessions—available both in person and via Zoom—that cover the basics and real-world applications of the regulation.
Indoor Heat Illness Regulation Sessions
Session 1: General Overview
Get familiar with the new indoor heat illness regulation, what it means for your workplace, and how to stay compliant. This session will cover key requirements, real-world scenarios, and practical strategies for identifying at-risk areas, developing a heat illness plan, and preparing your team.
Tuesday, May 20
10 - 11 a.m.
Hoagland Hall 130
Speaker:
- Luis Trani is an Industrial Hygienist and the primary point of contact for indoor heat illness safety.
Session 2: In-Depth Panel
Hear from Department Safety Coordinators who have successfully implemented indoor heat illness plans. Moderated by Luis Trani, this session offers firsthand insights, lessons learned, and actionable tips to help you put the regulation into practice in your own space.
Wednesday, May 21
10 - 11 a.m.
Hoagland Hall 130
Speakers:
- Greg Hodge is an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at the California National Primate Research Center.
- Niki Drazenovich is a Safety Officer at the Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
- Blanca Ponce is a Safety and Training Specialist for Student Housing and Dining Services.
Who does the regulation apply to?
It applies to most indoor workplaces with temperatures equal to or greater than 82°F. “Indoor” refers to a space that is under a ceiling or overhead covering that restricts airflow and is enclosed along its entire perimeter by walls, doors, windows, dividers, or other physical barriers that restrict airflow, whether open or closed. All work areas that are not indoor are considered outdoor and covered by the Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulation (Section 3395).
Indoor workplaces that meet these conditions are subject to rules governing provision of water, access to cool-down areas, assessments, control measures, emergency response, acclimatization, written plan development, training, and supervision.
Learn more about the new regulation and indoor heat illness requirements here.
Training
Whether you work indoors or outdoors, understanding how to prevent heat illness is essential for your safety and well-being. Safety Services offers a 40-minute online course that provides practical guidance on staying safe in high-heat conditions and supports compliance with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard.
You’ll learn how to:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness
- Ensure access to water, shade, and rest
- Support a culture of safety through proactive planning and training
“It’s a really good training for personal and professional life—even for those who think they may not need it.” —Luis Trani