Tag: CAL/OSHA

New Regulations Improve Safety at Oil Refineries

Aug 4, 2017 1:09 pm

State agencies today announced final approval of new regulations to strengthen workplace and environmental safety at oil refineries across the state. The regulations take effect on October 1, 2017.

The regulations implement key recommendations of the Governor’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety, created after the Aug. 6, 2012 Chevron refinery fire. They are the result of a multi-year effort, including extensive public input and consultation with workers, industry, non-governmental organizations, local agencies, and communities.

Developed by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), the regulations make California refineries safer for both workers and surrounding communities.

“California now leads the nation in protecting the safety and health of refinery workers and people in nearby communities,” said David M. Lanier, Secretary of the Labor and … continue reading »

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Cal/OSHA Stresses Importance of Monitoring Workers, Recognizing Early Symptoms of Heat Illness as Central Valley Swelters

Aug 1, 2017 9:43 am

Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to observe outdoor workers toiling in high heat for signs and symptoms of heat illness. The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous heat for much of the Central Valley for the rest of this week.

Symptoms of overexposure to heat include headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, cramps, exhaustion, and fainting. Heat illness occurs when the body is unable to cool itself down when overheated.

“Exposure to heat while working outdoors can cause serious illness or death,” said Juliann Sum, Chief of Cal/OSHA. “It is important for those who work outdoors, especially during heat waves, to know how to protect themselves from heat illness.”

Cal/OSHA urges workers experiencing possible overheating to take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade until symptoms are gone. Workers who have existing health problems or medical conditions that reduce tolerance … continue reading »

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Cal/OSHA Urges Employers to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness

Apr 27, 2017 4:17 pm

With California’s heat season quickly approaching, Cal/OSHA today hosted a news conference to remind employers that prevention is the best defense for outdoor workers against heat-related illness and death.

A key component of Cal/OSHA’s prevention model includes annual trainings statewide in both English and Spanish.  Nisei Farmers League and 11 other agricultural employers co-sponsored training sessions in each language today in Easton. The training highlights the need to protect outdoor workers from heat illness and the requirements under California’s heat illness standard.

“Cal/OSHA continues to enforce the nation’s most comprehensive heat illness prevention regulation, and we will continue our outreach, consultation and training for workers and employers to ensure that workers are protected from the heat,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.

The risk of heat illness is generally highest for people who work outdoors. Therefore, Cal/OSHA’s prevention approach includes … continue reading »

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