OSHA UPDATE: Keeping Employees Safe in the Heat

OSHA UPDATES

Keeping Employees Safe in the Heat

As summer heats up and temperatures and humidity start to climb, you are required under OSHA’s general duty clause to advise your employees of heat hazards and train them on methods to avoid heat illness. (Note: Check your local and state regulations for additional requirements.) 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.

Here are some tips to keep employees safe and cool: • Provide workers with water, rest and shade. • Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimate or build a tolerance for working in the heat • Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention • Monitor workers for signs of illness (Source: Marilyn Dempsey, OSHA safety consultant)

What are the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?

When working in an environment where temperatures may soar, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. According to the CDC, heat-related illnesses are preventable if you are aware of the signs and know what to do if you or a co-worker experience any of them.

Heat related illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Some factors that might increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness are high levels of humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and alcohol use.

Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness, but the most vulnerable groups tend to be older adults, very young children, those with mental illness and those with chronic diseases.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 F. or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

What to Look for: • High body temperature (103 F. or higher) • Hot, red, dry or damp skin (no sweating) • Fast, strong pulse • Headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Confusion • Losing consciousness/passing out

What to do: • Call 911 right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. • Move the affected person to a cooler location • Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath • Do not give the person anything to drink

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fl uids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure and those working or exercising in a hot environment. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

What to look for: • Heavy sweating • Cold, pale and clammy skin • Fast, weak pulse • Nausea or vomiting • Muscle cramps • Tiredness or weakness • Dizziness • Headache • Fainting or passing out

What to do: • Move to a cool place • Loosen clothes • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath • Sip water

Get medical help right away if: • You are vomiting • Your symptoms get worse • Your symptoms last longer than one hour HOW TO STAY SAFE IF YOU HAVE TO WORK OUTDOORS IN THE HEAT

If you must work in the extreme heat, follow these tips: • Prevent heat illness with acclimatization. If possible, slowly increase your workload in a hot setting over a period of several days or weeks. • Drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink something. • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing a large amount of sugar. Also avoid very cold drinks, as they may cause stomach cramps. • Replace salt and minerals that can be lost through sweating. Sports drinks are often a good way to replace the salt and minerals your body loses. • Avoid hot and heavy meals, as they add heat to your body. • Wear and reapply sunscreen; sunburn can prevent the body from cooling down properly. • Ask if certain tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat. • Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, if possible. • Spend some time in air-conditioning during breaks or after work.

Note: Electric fans may provide comfort, but in extreme heat, they will not prevent heat-related illness. • Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and remind them to drink water.