Beat the Heat – Safety Tips on Working in the Heat

Wastewater News

Support for coverage of safety issues in provided by ehs

EBMUD Employees Working in the Heat

Much of the country has been dealing with a heat wave and California is no exception. With the increase in temperature comes the dangers of working outside. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat related illnesses and heat stroke.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the US are killed by extreme heat every year. 

If you are one of the lucky ones who gets to work outside during the summer, below is a refresher provided by OSHA on the simple ways to prevent heat-related issues. 

Water. Rest. Shade. 

Dangers of Working in the Heat 

Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. More than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry, but workers in every field are susceptible. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.  

Employer Responsibility to Protect Workers 

Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program. 

• Provide workers with water, rest and shade. 
• 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. 
• Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. 
• Monitor workers for signs of illness. 
• Drink small amounts of water frequently.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing—cotton is good.
• Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
• Eat smaller meals before work activity.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Work in the shade.
• Find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
• Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.

Click to see large image.

Resources 

OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know – including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training. The page also includes resources for specific industries and OSHA workplace standards. Also look for heat illness educational and training materials on our Publications page.