A worker shows signs of heat exhaustion on a construction site. According to Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention requirements, what is the immediate required response?
Correct Answer
C) Call emergency medical services immediately
Cal/OSHA Section 3395 requires immediate emergency medical services contact when a worker shows signs of heat illness, as this can quickly become life-threatening.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Section 3395 (Heat Illness Prevention) requires that when a worker shows symptoms of heat illness, emergency medical services must be contacted immediately. Heat exhaustion can escalate rapidly to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition with organ damage. The regulation mandates an EMS call as the primary response, not field treatment alone.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Move worker to air conditioning and provide electrolytes
Moving the worker to air conditioning and providing electrolytes may be appropriate supportive steps, but they do not satisfy the Cal/OSHA requirement to call emergency medical services immediately. Relying on field treatment without EMS notification can delay potentially life-saving intervention if the condition worsens.
Option B: Provide cool water and continue monitoring
Providing cool water and continuing to monitor falls short of Cal/OSHA's mandatory response. Monitoring without calling EMS assumes the situation is stable β but heat exhaustion can transition to heat stroke within minutes. The regulation does not allow a 'wait and see' approach.
Option D: Give the worker a 15-minute break in shade
A 15-minute break in shade is the prevention protocol (rest in shade during high heat), not the response to an active heat illness emergency. This option confuses the prevention standard with the emergency response requirement.
Memory Technique
Cal/OSHA heat illness = Call EMS First, Always. When in doubt on a heat emergency question, the answer that includes contacting emergency medical services is correct. 'Heat illness = 911 first' β no exceptions under Cal/OSHA.
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