Dear Colleagues,

As part of our commitment to creating a safe work environment at UCSF and UCSF Health, we are launching a new employee training initiative to build awareness around indoor heat illness prevention. This training is part of our ongoing response to the Bay Area’s increasingly frequent periods of high temperatures and will help ensure we are compliant with the latest Cal/OSHA regulatory standards.

We are taking a proactive approach to this important issue in order to reduce the risk of heat-related incidents across all UCSF facilities. The training is mandatory, and its primary goal is to protect our workforce and patients. The training will launch on the UCSF Learning platform on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, and compliance will be due 90 days after the launch on March 4, 2025.

Training Overview 
This training is a one-time requirement for all campus and health system employees, including those at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and Saint Francis and St. Mary’s Hospitals. It is designed to be comprehensive yet efficient and takes only 20 minutes to complete. The course will cover the following key topics: 

• Recognizing Heat Illness: Identifying the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses to ensure early intervention and proper care.
• Prevention Strategies: Implementing effective measures to prevent heat illness, including hydration, appropriate clothing, and environmental controls.
• Employee Rights: Understanding the provisions under the new regulation that protect employees, including rights to breaks, access to water, and a safe working environment. 
• Supervisor Training: Equipping supervisors with the knowledge and tools they need to comply with the regulation, recognize heat illness, and provide immediate care to affected individuals.

Next Steps
You will receive an email from the UCSF Learning Center ([email protected]) when the training launches with detailed instructions on how to access and complete this new requirement. Please prioritize completing the training as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Together, we can ensure that our facilities remain safe and healthy places for each of you and for the patients and communities who entrust us with their care.

Sincerely,

Sheila Antrum 
Senior Vice President & COO 
UCSF Health

Erin S. Gore 
Senior Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration
UCSF