Rising Temperatures are Making Heat Exposures More Dangerous
Back in the Spring, OSHA issued a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) on indoor and outdoor heat-related hazards that expands on the agency’s ongoing heat-related illness prevention campaign. Even though we shared this with you on our blog, https://www.hubricresources.com/osha-launches-new-program-for-heat-safety/ in early May when the temperatures were still a bit chilly, the information still applies today especially during this heat wave. The program establishes heat days as those days when the heat index is expected to be 80°F or higher. Some businesses and people may find this surprising; often, heat-related illnesses and injuries are assumed to occur during the first high-heat waves of the year, when the body has not acclimated, and businesses aren’t all prepared to respond with shade, water, breaks, etc.
Employers beware, to be in OSHA compliance remember these key criteria:
- provide accessible, cool drinking water to employees at all times and at no cost to them;
- have written heat illness and injury programs and train employees on hydration, heat illness signs, first aid, and summoning emergency personnel;
- monitor ambient temperatures and levels of work exertion at worksites;
- schedule rest and hydration breaks;
- provide access to shaded areas;
- provide time for acclimatization of new and returning employees (OSHA’s recommended rule is that employees should only work 20 percent of their normal duration on their first day and gradually increase work duration over a one- to two-week period);
- scheduled job rotations (such as earlier start times and employee rotation) to limit heat exposures; and
- implemented a “buddy” system on hot days.
Train your employees on heat illness prevention, risk factors, and symptoms to watch out for. Here is OSHA’s guidance on heat exposure first aid: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid
Remember, for OSHA, it’s all about water, rest, and shade!
