Training Requirements
A federal heat standard is not yet in effect, but the state of California requires that all employers comply with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard (§3395) and train their employees about prevention methods.
What topics are covered in the WCAHS Heat Illness Prevention training?
Our trainings incorporate participatory adult education methods, encourage critical thinking to solve challenges, and provide important background information to understand the impact of heat on human health.
Trainings are tailored to the needs and priorities of our audiences, including:
- Farmers/supervisors
- Promotores/community leaders
- Farmworkers
WCAHS holds 3–5 heat illness prevention trainings for supervisors a year. Trainings are typically one and a half hours and are held online for a group of 20–30 people.
Topics include:
- Signs and symptoms of heat illness and how it affects health
- Practical ways to reduce the risk of heat illness, such as acclimatization, and solutions for providing water and shade
- Proper hydration and the difference between water and energy drinks, coffee, and alcohol
- For farmers/supervisors: Elements of an effective heat illness prevention program and Cal/OSHA §3395 compliance
- For community leaders/farmworkers: Explanation of workers’ rights under the law
Resources
- Heat Illness Prevention Accordion Pocket Card (English/Spanish)