OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign, Helps educate employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have been taught how to protect workers from heat.
What it all comes down to is three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.
Dangers of Working in the Heat
Every year, Multiple workers die, and thousands become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There is a range of heat illnesses, and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Ease into Work, 3 out of 4 Fatalities from heat illness happens during the first week of work.
Employer Responsibility to Protect Workers:
Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
- Provide workers with water, rest, and shade.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
- Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimate to the extreme temperatures or build up a tolerance for working in the heat and humidity. Every day increase intensity by 20%.
- Monitor workers for signs of illness
- Watch out for each other
- Verbally check on workers wearing face coverings
Download the NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App (ONLY for iPhone) to help navigate prevention through the hot summer months.
Link to OSHA Heat info:
https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid
Jason Unwin | Safety Manager | Mobile 314.707.7732
TJ Wies Contracting, Inc. | www.tjwies.com | 636.561.8555
TJ Wies Prefab | www.tjwiesprefab.com | 636.385.7177
