As it Heats Up, Keep Workers Safe

As weather heats up, OSHA campaign aims to keep outdoor workers safe
June 28, 2017
Photo: OSHA

Washington – OSHA has launched its annual summer campaign to remind employers and employees about the dangers of working outdoors in hot weather.

Extreme heat exposure is the leading cause of weather-related death, prompting more than 65,000 emergency room visits annually, according to OSHA. In 2014, 18 workers died from heat stroke or other heat-related causes.

Water. Rest. Shade. urges employers to help employees acclimatize to the heat, offering tips to help prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. They include:

• Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Take rest breaks in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Monitor fellow workers for any signs of problems.

NIOSH and OSHA recently teamed up to update a heat safety mobile app that uses temperature and humidity to measure heat index values while offering projected heat indices throughout the workday.

For more information on heat illness, click here.

For more information on heat stress, click here.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, click here.

For more information on OSHA campaigns, click here.

For more information on outdoor workers, click here.

Click here to for information on the OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

Thanks for the share, NSC!