In a significant move aimed at protecting workers, California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) recently approved new regulations for indoor heat illness prevention. The new rules, which could take effect this month, require indoor workplaces to maintain temperatures below 87°F and ensure additional safety measures when temperatures exceed 82°F in environments with high radiant heat or where protective clothing is worn.

These regulations, while primarily focused on indoor work environments such as warehouses, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities, raise important questions about whether California's outdoor heat regulations should be revised to offer even stricter protections, particularly for industries like drilling and construction, where workers often face extreme conditions.

The Impact of New Indoor Heat Regulations

Under the new indoor heat illness prevention rules, employers must develop a written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) that includes procedures for providing cool-down areas, access to potable water, and emergency response measures. These measures aim to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, which can be exacerbated in enclosed spaces where temperatures can rise quickly. The regulations also require employers to closely monitor employees during heatwaves, implement control measures, and provide training to ensure that both supervisory and non-supervisory staff are equipped to handle heat-related emergencies.

For drillers and construction workers who spend a significant amount of time both indoors and outdoors, these regulations highlight the need for comprehensive heat illness prevention strategies. While the indoor rules are a step in the right direction, it begs the question: Are California's current outdoor heat regulations sufficient to protect workers in extreme conditions? Given the heat waves impacting our workers on a global scale, paired with wet-bulb occurrences daily, it's time we really analyze whether or not the current standards in California and beyond are enough. 

Should Outdoor Heat Regulations Be Strengthened?

California's outdoor heat illness prevention standards, which have been in place since 2005 and were amended in 2010, are already among the most stringent in the nation. These rules require employers to provide water, shade, rest breaks, and training for workers in industries like agriculture, construction, and oil and gas extraction, particularly when temperatures exceed 95°F. However, as climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe heatwaves, some experts argue that these regulations may need to be revisited.

For workers in the drilling industry, who often work in remote and challenging environments, stricter outdoor heat regulations could provide additional protections. The current rules emphasize the importance of acclimatization, monitoring, and emergency response, but as temperatures continue to rise, there may be a need to reduce the threshold for implementing high-heat procedures or increase the frequency of mandatory rest breaks. Furthermore, with wet-bulb temperatures making rest and shade moot, it may be time to consider night schedules and pop-up indoor work environments that can be heat-regulated. 

For drillers, who may transition between indoor and outdoor work environments, it is crucial to understand and comply with both sets of regulations. Companies in the drilling and construction industries should take proactive steps to ensure that their workers are protected, including conducting regular assessments of heat risks, providing adequate hydration and cooling measures, and offering comprehensive training on heat illness prevention.

As California continues to lead the way in workplace safety standards, the drilling industry must stay ahead of the curve by advocating for and adopting best practices that protect workers in all environments. With the potential for these regulations to influence policies in other states, the industry has an opportunity to set an example in prioritizing worker safety in the face of rising temperatures.

California's new indoor heat illness prevention regulations mark an important step in protecting workers from the dangers of excessive heat. However, as the state continues to experience more extreme weather patterns, it may be time to reassess the adequacy of current outdoor heat regulations in California and the nation as a whole, particularly for high-risk industries like drilling and construction. By taking a proactive approach to heat illness prevention and considering stricter outdoor heat rules, California can ensure that all workers are safeguarded against the increasing threats posed by a warming climate.