Summer heat can impact warehouse worker productivity.
In an effort to keep you informed about legislation that impacts warehouse safety and performance, we wanted you to know about new legislation in California that may be embraced by other states. A proposed bill in California could impact the warehouse industry, including companies such as Inland. Supporters state that this bill is necessary in order to provide employees with protection from heat inside warehouses, while opponents claim that the bill could negatively affect growth in the warehousing industry.
Heat Safety Bill
SB 1167, authored by Senator Connie Levya, would require Cal-OSHA to propose health and safety standards to protect warehouse workers from the effects of high indoor temperatures, such as heat-related illnesses and injuries.
No standards are currently in place for indoor workers, although outdoor workers are protected by a bill that became law in 2005. In a report from 2011, 74 out of 101 Inland warehouse workers stated that temperatures inside these buildings reached up to 125 degrees, causing dangerous working conditions.
Those who oppose SB 1167 include John Husing, an economist in the Inland area. Opponents cite costs as the main reason for fighting the bill. This includes concerns over how much it will cost to develop and implement standards and how that cost could inhibit growth in the industry.
Levya states that the proposed measures would not have to include installing climate control systems in all warehouses. Instead, the focus is more likely to be on ensuring that workers have access to cold water at all times and giving workers an area to cool off. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Appropriations Committee.
If you need a cart puller or other industrial tugs to help employees lower strain to stay cool, please visit DJ Products. We offer a wide range of industrial tugs, including motorized and electric cart tug solutions.