California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA)

California’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)

Effective July 1, 1991, Cal-OSHA regulations require every employer to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  The purpose of an Injury & Illness Prevention Program is to establish a management framework for reducing the risks associated with workplace injuries and illnesses, identifying what is required to promote safety and health in the workplace and create an outline of policies and procedures to achieve safety and health goals.  The program must be in writing and include the following elements:

1. Management commitment/assignment of responsibilities
2. Safety communications system with employees
3. System for assuring employee compliance with safe work practices
4. Scheduled inspections/evaluation system
5. Accident Investigation
6. Procedures for correcting unsafe/unhealthy conditions
7. Safety and health training and instruction; and
8. Recordkeeping and documentation

California’s Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP)

Employers in the State of California must develop and implement effective written procedures for complying with the requirements of California’s T8 CCR 3395, Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP).  CalOSHA’s amended HIPP regulations became effective May 1, 2015.  HIPP includes the following:

• Procedures for providing sufficient water
• Procedures for providing access to shade
• High-heat procedures
• Emergency response procedures
• Acclimatization methods and procedures
• Development and implementation of written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

The Heat Illness Prevention Plan must be written both in English and in the language understood by the majority of employees. The written plan must be available to employees at the worksite at all times, as well as to representatives of Cal/OSHA upon request.