The rising temperatures this time of year pose a threat of heat illness for many workers across the nation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently made two new heat illness resources available on its website, which employers can use to educate workers and help keep them safe.
Here’s a brief look at the new resources:
Safety in 5: Plan and Respond to a Heat Emergency
This resource, a customizable conversation guide, provides five steps for employers to discuss with workers. Below is a summary of those steps. Consult the resource for in-depth guidance.
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Explain Why It Matters. “Recognizing heat emergencies, planning how to respond when emergencies occur, and training everyone on those plans can reduce the severity of heat-related illnesses,” the resource states.
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What Can We Do? Encourage workers to, among other things, hydrate, take rest breaks in a shaded or cooled area, observe each other for signs and symptoms, and understand their risk factors. More prevention tips can be found in the new resource and at this OSHA webpage.
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Let’s Talk About It. Have conversations with workers to ensure they can identify signs and symptoms, understand what contributes to a higher risk of a heat emergency, and know the proper steps to take in the event one occurs.
Young Workers and Heat Illness
This resource states that young workers are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses, explains why that’s the case, and offers prevention tips. It also lists the following common jobs that may expose young workers to heat hazards: