Tips to Protect your Workers in the Heat of the Summer
Updated 06/11 2016 03:08PM
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KANSAS CITY, Mo- OSHA has released tips and ways to remind employers on how to protect workers out in the heat of summer.
There are thousands of workers that are exposed to summer heat and have suffered some form of heat related illnesses and even death. In 2014, over 2,000 workers suffered from these heat illnesses and 18 died from them.
“Heat-related illnesses can be fatal, and employers are responsible for keeping workers safe,” said Bonita Winingham, OSHA’s Acting Regional Administrator in Kansas City. “Employers can take a few easy steps to save lives, including scheduling frequent water breaks, allowing ample time to rest, and providing shade.”
Here are some tips to prevent your workers from these illnesses:
- Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty
- Rest in the shade to cool down.
- Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
- Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
- Keep an eye on fellow workers.
- "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.
The risk of heat stress increases for workers 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications.
Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these conditions. Those employed in hot indoor environments such as firefighters, bakers, factory and boiler room workers, are also at risk when temperatures rise.
For more information on and questions you can call OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) at 800-321-6742 nor go to their website at http://www.osha.gov.