Patrick W. Saltmarsh Tim Hunt, CHST Dir. of Envt’l, Safety Health and Safety Corporate Director W. J. L. Derenzo French Excavating Corp. Companies
Heat Stress As we enter the hottest months of the year, OSHA is ramping up its enforcement of heat-related hazards. While OSHA is working on a new Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule, they have implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) addressing outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards. One industry that OSHA focuses on with their NEP and the proposed rule is construction. The construction industry poses risk factors for heat illness, including heavy physical activity, hot work environment conditions, clothing that holds in body heat, and the potential for changing temperatures.
H
eat conditions on a jobsite can change rapidly, especially in New England. In these types of environments, the body has a hard time trying to acclimate to the heat. A "toolbox" of heat stress controls that can be implemented as the conditions change is critical to preventing heat illness. Three of the leading prevention tools are water, rest, and shade. Workers should be encouraged to drink electrolyte-containing beverages such as sports drinks. Workers lose salt and other electrolytes when they sweat. Substantial loss of electrolytes can cause muscle cramps and other dangerous health problems. Water cannot replace electrolytes; different types of beverages are needed. Water or other fluids provided by the employer should not only be cool but should also be provided in a location that is familiar to the workers, near the work, easy to access, and in sufficient quantity for the duration of the work. Workers should not rely on feeling thirsty to prompt them to drink. They should be reminded to drink regularly to maintain hydration throughout their shift. When heat stress is high, employers should require workers to take breaks. The length and frequency of rest breaks should increase as heat stress rises. Breaks should last long enough for workers to recover from the heat. How long is long enough? That depends on several factors, including environmental heat (WBGT), the worker's physical activity level, and the individual workJULY, 2022
er's risk factors. The location of the breaks also matters. If workers rest in a cooler area, they will be ready to resume work more quickly. Breaks should last longer if workers have no cool location to rest. Workers should be given a cool place to take breaks and recover from the heat. Outdoors might mean a shady area, an airconditioned vehicle, a nearby building or tent, or an area with fans and misting devices. Employers should create a written plan to prevent heat-related illness. The plan should address the following elements: •
Who will provide oversight daily?
•
How will new workers gradually develop heat tolerance? Temporary workers may be more susceptible to continued on page 43
•
“BUY FROM THE ADVERTISERS IN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK”
41
