It's just a matter of time until temperatures sore

While it was a cool Spring, temperatures across Southern California have already begun to climb and it’s only a matter of time until temperatures sore. Heat-related illnesses are more likely to strike workers who have not had time to adjust to the heat, such as during a sudden heat wave. Gradual exposure to heat gives employees time to become accustomed to higher temperatures, and most people adjust to the heat within four to 14 days.
 
After heat illness contributed to 13 work-related deaths in 2005, California adopted the Heat Illness Prevention Standard. Cal/OSHA has already begun its inspections to ensure compliance with General Industry Safety Orders section 3395. The agency has conducted more than 650 inspections and as announced an increase in inspections in June.
 
The Standard requires employers with outdoor jobsites to provide employees with:
Training – Train every employee, including supervisors, on the signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of heat illnesses.
Water – Provide at least 2 gallons of clean, cool drinking water per person per day – and shade – keep a record of that training. Encourage workers to drink 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes.
Shade –  Employers must provide access to shade for at least five minutes of rest whenever it’s requested by an employee. Adequate shade is defined as “one in which objects do not cast a shadow and there is enough area for the employee to be comfortable.” Umbrellas, canopies, and other temporary structures, and buildings and trees qualify if sunlight is blocked and there’s air movement. Shaded areas that prevent cooling, such as metal sheds or construction equipment, do not qualify under the standard.

Under the heat illness standard, employers must give a written company heat illness prevention procedure to all employees, as well as to representatives of Cal/OSHA if they request it. The procedures should include how you will comply with heat illness standards, how you will respond to symptoms of possible heat illness, contacts for emergency medical services to transport employees to a location where they can be reached by an emergency medical service provider, and clear directions for emergency responders, if needed.

Symptoms and treatment
The first warning sign of severe heat stress is sluggishness and a foggy feeling, as the body loses fluids through sweat.

Excessive sweating, clammy skin, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, irritability, confusion, anxiety, nausea and a faster heart rate and breathing are signs of heat exhaustion. Treat heat exhaustion by moving the victim to a cool place in the shade.

Apply cool, wet cloths and fan the victim, but stop if the person begins to shiver. Rehydrate slowly with about 1/2 cup of water every 15 minutes. Most people should begin to feel better within a few hours, but should continue to rest at least 24 hours.

Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke and even death. Symptoms include dry, pale or red skin with no sweating, irritability, confusion, anxiety, seizures, and unconsciousness for longer than a minute. Heat stroke requires immediate hospitalization. Call an ambulance and then cool the person as quickly as possible by moving the victim into shade or air conditioning, soaking the victim’s clothing with water, and vigorously fanning the body to increase cooling. If the heat exhaustion victim is awake enough to swallow, provide fluids.