With the weather forecasts of triple-digit temperatures in the Central and Inland valleys next week, Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to educate managers and supervisors on protecting workers from heat illness.

Division of Occupational Safety and Health Chief Len Welsh urges employers to take precautions and apply safety measures outlined in the state's heat illness prevention standard, General Industry Safety Orders §3395. Track the weather and be ready for heat waves, Welsh says.

Heat illness is a special threat to workers who are new on the job or not accustomed to working in extreme heat, as evidenced by the mid-May death of a 17-year-old worker in a San Joaquin County vineyard. "Most people adjust to the weather or acclimate with four-to-14 days of regular work levels," Cal/OSHA says.

Equally important is raising awareness about preventing heat illness, the agency adds. Supervisors and employees should be trained on acclimation, the importance of drinking water continuously throughout the work day, taking frequent cool-down breaks or preventive recovery periods in the shade, and emergency procedures in case a worker falls ill.

Other actions include starting work earlier in the day and stopping work during the hottest part of the day, increasing water and rest breaks, and using a "buddy" system to monitor employees in the field.