Cal/OSHA 3395 Compliance: Everything California Employers Need to Know

Understanding Cal/OSHA 3395

California leads the nation with Title 8 Section 3395, a strict standard for outdoor places of employment. It applies to agriculture, construction, landscaping, and oil & gas extraction.

The Four Core Elements

1. Water

Employees must have access to fresh, pure, suitably cool water. It must be free of charge and located as close as practicable to where employees are working.

2. Shade

Shade must be present when the temperature exceeds 80°F. The shaded area must correspond to the number of employees on recovery or meal periods.

3. High Heat Procedures

Triggered at 95°F. Requires effective observation (buddy system or regular communication), pre-shift meetings, and reminders to drink water.

4. Training

All employees and supervisors must be trained on heat illness signs, symptoms, and emergency response procedures before beginning work in the heat.