Remember OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration)? Still alive and kicking! Last year, OSHA launched a program to identify and address heat-related injuries and illnesses in workplaces (blog here). The statistics on heat-related deaths and illnesses are astounding. OSHA has just extended that program for another year.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
This is a good time to review and update workplace safety and heat illness prevention programs and policies. Proactive action now can demonstrate good faith for potential OSHA inspections.
OSHA recommends safety measures such as:
- Providing cool drinking water and shaded rest areas;
- Implementing an acclimatization plan for new or returning workers;
- Conducting regular training on recognizing and responding to heat stress symptoms;
- Monitoring environmental conditions; and
- Scheduling rest breaks during high heat periods.
SAME AS IT EVER WAS: Don’t forget that your state probably has its own standards too for heat safety.
QUESTIONS? Need a heat safety policy to pop into your handbook? Maybe a handbook review at the same time? (If it has been two years or more, your handbook is out of date.) We can help. Contact us.