Acclimatization

The body must adapt when working in hotter environments; acclimatization is the process the body undergoes to adjust to increased heat exposure. According to Cal/OSHA guidance, employees are likelier to develop heat illness if they don't take it easy when a heat wave strikes or when starting a job that newly exposes them to heat. Most people are usually acclimated within four to 14 days of regular work involving at least two hours per day in the heat.

Both the outdoor and indoor heat illness prevention standards contain acclimatization requirements.¹