Prepare Now for Cal/OSHA’s 2025 Heat Safety Rule Changes with NATEC Training

As California faces another season of record-breaking temperatures and wildfire smoke, Cal/OSHA is advancing new safety rules under Assembly Bill 2243 (Chapter 778, Statutes of 2022) to better protect outdoor and indoor workers from heat-related illness. Major updates are expected by December 2025, including:

• Mandatory N95 mask distribution at wildfire smoke levels of AQI 301 or higher (previously 500)
• Annual distribution of written Heat Illness Prevention Plans to all employees
• New acclimatization requirements for indoor and outdoor workers
• Stricter employer protocols for protecting workers in “ultra-high heat” conditions

These changes will have a direct impact on employers in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, landscaping, manufacturing, warehousing, and others where heat exposure is a concern. Preparing now is key to staying compliant and protecting your workforce.

To review the updates to Cal/OSHA Assembly Bill 2243, visit the link: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/heat-illness/

New Acclimatization Requirements: Outdoor & Indoor Workers

Cal/OSHA will require employers to adopt formal acclimatization procedures—the process of helping employees gradually adjust to working in high heat conditions. Here’s what’s expected:

Outdoor Workers

• Trigger Point: Acclimatization required during any heatwave (defined by Cal/OSHA) or when an employee is newly assigned to outdoor work in hot conditions.
• Duration: At least 4–14 days of gradually increasing exposure to hot environments.
• Supervision: New or returning workers must be closely observed for signs of heat illness during this adjustment period.

Indoor Workers

• Trigger Point: Applies when indoor temperatures are expected to exceed 87°F (or 82°F if workers wear protective clothing or perform moderate to heavy work).
• Implementation: Employers must ensure employees gradually build up heat tolerance, especially those returning from extended absences.
• Planning: The acclimatization plan must be documented and integrated into your written Heat Illness Prevention Plan or IIPP.

These new measures ensure that workers are physically prepared to handle heat stress, reducing the risk of illness, injury, or fatality.

Be Ready with NATEC’s Expert-Led Cal/OSHA Training

At NATEC International, Inc., we offer safety training to help you stay compliant with Cal/OSHA’s evolving regulations. Our courses are designed to provide practical, actionable strategies for compliance and workforce protection.

Heat Illness Prevention Program

The Online Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention is intended on instructing students how to prevent illness from high heat situations in accordance with Cal/OSHA standards.

This course will include but is not limited to the following topics:

• Regulations & Definitions
• Types of Heat Illnesses
• Risk Factors for Heat Illness
• Heat Illness Prevention Program Elements
• Training
• Program Review & Quiz

Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)

This online course provides an overview of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration Injury Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) found in Title 8 California Code of Regulations Section 3203. The training covers the importance and value in having a comprehensive IIPP. The required IIPP elements are discussed including staff commitment, responsibility and accountability, two-way safety communication, hazard identification and control, accident investigation, training, and recordkeeping. Since hazard identification and control are at the heart of an effective IIPP, special attention is given to the categories of hazards, prioritization of hazards, and the different types of hazard control.

The course will also go over the following key elements:

• Management leadership
• Worker participation
• Hazard identification and assessment
• Hazard prevention and control
• Education and safety training
• and program evaluation and improvement

Flexible Training Options

Courses are available online, in person, or at your job site. NATEC instructors are seasoned safety professionals who tailor training to real-world working environments.

Stay Ahead of Compliance—Act Now

Cal/OSHA’s new heat safety rules are approaching fast. Don’t wait until enforcement begins. Whether you’re updating an existing plan or building from the ground up, NATEC can help ensure your workers are trained, protected, and compliant.

Visit www.natecintl.com to register or request a quote.

Enroll in our online training today:

• Online Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention
• Online Cal/OSHA Injury & Illness Prevention Program

Prepare your workforce before the next heatwave hits.