STOCKTON – The heat returns this week to the Central Valley with a vengeance. Highs Wednesday are expected to hit 105 in both Modesto and Stockton with a high of 103 expected in Merced. The temperatures have prompted heat advisories for the Northern San Joaquin valley with higher chances of wildfires and heat-related illnesses.
Heat is expected to continue through the week with highs at or above 100 on both Thursday and Friday. Heading into the weekend the heat will back off a little with high temperatures reaching into the mid to upper 90s in both Modesto and Merced. Highs in Stockton will drop into the lower 90s this weekend.
As the heat continues for a prolonged period, heat related illness becomes an especially tough problem in the Central Valley with its bustling agriculture industry.
Changes to the Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention regulation went into effect on May 1. Among some of the amended regulations are rules regarding how employers must now provide shade that is “easy for employees to reach.” There are also changes to rules regarding employees access to fresh water and monitoring employees for symptoms of heat-related illness.
As a general rule, the California Department of Industrial relations recommends that employers train employees on avoiding heat illnesses. The agency also reminds employers to provide enough water that each employee can drink at least one quart per hour, or four eight ounce glasses of water per hour. Employers should also provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. Making sure employees take a break before they feel sick can be crucial to avoiding heat-related illnesses.
Employers also need to develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.
More tips and regulations for dealing with the heat can be found at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/heatillnessinfo.html.
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