Tip: Heat Illness Prevention: Best Practices and Obligations

At least twenty-five states (including California) have adopted OSHA approved plans for compliance with, and enforcement of, heat illness prevention plans. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness.  The California regulations are highlighted below by way of example, along with several resources to help you educate your employees about preventing heat illness. Check your state law to ensure compliance. Even if not required by law, all employers, especially those with outdoor workers, should understand heat illness and how to prevent it.

Educating Yourself on Heat Illness and Preventative Measures.

What is heat illness? The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.

Who is affected? Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are more likely to become dehydrated and are more likely to get heat-related illness. Indoor workers who perform heavy work tasks or use bulky protective clothing and equipment may also be affected. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions. In addition, workers with a chronic medical condition are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat.

How do I prevent heat illness amongst my workforce? Remember three simple words: water, rest, shade. Drinking water often, taking breaks, and limiting time in the heat can help prevent heat illness. Employers should include these prevention steps in worksite training and plans. Workers should gradually build up to heavy work in hot conditions in order to build tolerance to the heat. Employers should take steps that help workers become acclimated, especially workers who are new to working outdoors in the heat or have been away from work for a week or more by gradually increasing workloads and allowing more frequent breaks during the first week of work.

Guidance from the Center for Disease Control for Heat Illness Prevention:

• Prevent Heat Illness with Acclimatization
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
• Ask if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
• Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
• Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
• Seek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
  
  

For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress

Cal/OSHA Mandates for Heat Illness Prevention:  California requires all employers with "outdoor places of employment," such as agricultural fields, forests, parks, and equipment and storage yards, to implement certain safety measures to prevent heat illnesses. These employers are required to:

• Provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
  
  
• Provide a shaded area for workers to cool down.
  
  
• Give workers a period of time to get used to the heat.
• Train workers about heat illness and how to prevent it
• Prepare an emergency heat plan and train workers on steps to take if someone gets sick.
  
  

Additional Information and Resources.

• Click here for information on OSHA’s Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers.
• Click here for the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on Extreme Heat.
• Click here for Cal/OSHA Resources for Employers.