Monday, May 2, 2011

Prevent heat-related illnesses

As most of you know Washington State and California has a heat illness rule that requires employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illnesses. OSHA is now getting into the mix.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced on April 26th a national outreach initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration to educate workers and their employers about the hazards of working outdoors in the heat and steps needed to prevent heat-related illnesses.

To see her complete release, please check out this link. Also, if you do have outdoor workers you need to get your heat illness prevention program up and running, because it is time.
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1 comment:

  1. Evergreen Safety CouncilMay 20, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Following the launch of a campaign targeting heat illnesses, OSHA and NIOSH on May 11 published an information sheet (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-174/pdfs/2011-174.pdf) for employers.

    Workers in hot environments are at risk for several health conditions, the most serious of which are heat stroke and heat exhaustion, the info sheet states.

    Factors that increase a worker's risk for heat illnesses include high temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, physical exertion, and low fluid consumption.
    OSHA and NIOSH recommend employers:
    • Train workers to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
    • Gradually increase the workload for new employees.
    • Provide workers with cool water.

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