Working outdoors in hot weather can result in serious illness or even death. Workers exposed to extreme heat may experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses (HRI), such as heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat stroke and other symptoms.
HRI ranges from relatively harmless conditions such as heat edema (swelling) and heat cramps to more serious illness such as heat syncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion. The most serious and often fatal form of HRI is heat stroke.
HRI is also linked to injuries from falls, equipment operation accidents, and other on-the-job incidents. Such incidents can happen when someone with heat stress becomes fatigued, dizzy, confused, or disoriented.
In Washington State employers must provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. The Outdoor heat exposure Rule WAC 296-62-095 applies from May 1 through September 30, every year, when exposures are at or above a specific temperature. In Washington DOSH looks at the temperature and the type of clothing the worker is wearing to determine if compliance with the rule has been put into effect.
If you have workers that are working in the outdoors you need to be aware of this situation to ensure your workers are safe. Evergreen Safety Council can help you provide the training and/or develop your heat illness prevention program.
Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council
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