Workplace Safety is Heating Up
Workplace safety is a top concern year-round for employers; however, with summer finally here, this concern is heightened. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 50% – 70% of outdoor fatalities occur within the first few days of working in warm and hot conditions since employees have not acclimatized to the environment. It is essential to recognize that workplace heat safety is not only limited to those working outdoors. Employers with employees working in close quarters around machinery or non-temperature-controlled warehouses need an efficient and effective workplace safety protocol to reduce and hopefully prevent heat-related illness and injury. Heat-related injuries can present themselves as falls or equipment operation errors if an employee has sweaty palms, fogged safety goggles, or becomes disoriented. To help navigate workplace heat safety, we’ve created this guide:
5 Precautions Employers Can Take
OSHA recommended precautions include:
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Provide workers with water, rest, and shade.
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Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize or build a tolerance for working in the heat. This should be customized based on individual tolerance for heat. Working with a Safety subject matter expert is recommended to tailor this process.
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Plan for emergencies and train workers on heat illness and injury prevention.
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Monitor workers for signs of illness, including, but not limited to, headache or nausea, weakness or dizziness, heavy sweating or hot, dry skin, and elevated body temperature.
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When symptoms appear, the worker should be taken to a cool place and drink plenty of cool water. The employee can also be cooled with ice or a fan, and unnecessary clothing should be removed, if needed. Effective communication procedures should be in place to alert management when there is a problem. When in doubt, call 911.
6 Precautions Your Employees Can Take
Employers should train supervisors and employees who work in hot environments to take the following precautions:
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Monitor the heat index for the day.
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Wear loose, light clothing that reflects sunlight and allows sweat to evaporate. Clothing items can be cooled with water to reduce body temperature.
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Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (sunburn hinders the body’s ability to dissipate heat).
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Drink plenty of cool water all day, regardless of thirst.
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Slow the work pace and take breaks in a shady or cool area.
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Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Additional Resources
A heat stress program is essential for companies with employees who will be exposed to high-heat situations. The program should include training, specific guidelines, and enforced requirements. OSHA has resources and training tools available on its website. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also has information available here.
For more resources on workplace safety, Catapult members can access our Safety Toolkit on the Member Hub. Start a discussion post to see how your fellow members are approaching workplace heat safety! Finally, if you have any specific questions, please contact an HR Advisor via phone, email, or our live chat options.
