As temperatures climbed into the mid-80s Tuesday afternoon, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration had some timely advice for
employers in the region who have people working outdoors: Give them
plenty of water, rest and shade.
Taking precautions against heat-related illness during high temperatures
and humidity is more than a prudent measure, according to Christopher
Robinson, director of OSHA’s Pittsburgh area office.
Robinson gave the reminder during an informational teleconference with
reporters, and had some sobering statistics to back it up.
According to OSHA, more than 200 workers in the United States died from heat stress between 2009 and 2013.
The workers at the highest risk for heat-related illness are those in
construction, agriculture, building and ground maintenance, trades,
utilities, transportation and the oil and gas industry.
“We’ve had (numerous reports) of heat-related illness with landscapers
and lawn care workers,” added Robinson, who said employers need to take
special care to gradually acclimatize those who are new to working
outdoors in summer weather.
OSHA’s heat stress campaign, which it has promoted to employers since
2011, notes the body normally cools itself by sweating, but during hot
weather coupled with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body
temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions aren’t taken,
such as drinking water frequently and resting in shade.
Heat illnesses range from heat rash and cramps to heat exhaustion and
heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention and can result
in death.
To prevent heat-related illness and fatalities:
• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you aren’t 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.
Robinson said OSHA offers a heat safety tool as a smartphone application.
Users enter the current temperature and humidity and the app calculates
the heat illness risk and provides the appropriate protections to be
taken.