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IBEW Local 429
2001 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37210 Tel: (615) 889-4429 Fax: (615) 874-1253 |
Are You Required to Protect Employees From the Summer Heat?
Earlier this year I was conducting training in Dubai and what I remember as I got off the plane and waited for my taxi was the intense heat - at midnight! I'm from Florida and quite used to hot weather but this was different, Dubai after all is a little slice of concrete paradise carved into the desert and the temps reach 120 degrees without a blink. Because of these unbearable temperatures, Dubai passed laws that outside work may not be performed between 11:00am and 2:00pm. This was to serve as a protection from the heat. Not a bad idea, but what about your business. Shutting down work may be a bit extreme, so what other precautions can you take - and how does OSHA view your responsibility to protect workers from heat? First - what are symptoms of of a heat exposure problem? Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion * Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. * Weakness and moist skin. * Mood changes such as irritability or confusion. * Upset stomach or vomiting. Symptoms of Heat Stroke * Dry, hot skin with no sweating. * Mental confusion or losing consciousness. * Seizures or convulsions. Preventing Heat Stress * Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses, monitor yourself and coworkers. * Block out direct sun or other heat sources. * Use cooling fans/air-conditioning, rest regularly. * Drink lots of water, about 1 cup every 15 minutes. * Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes. * Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals. OK, but does OSHA require you to protect workers from heat and sun exposure? An April 16, 1998 Interpretation Letter from OSHA says that worker exposure to the sun's radiation is discussed indirectly under 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.132(a) pertaining to personal protective equipment. Employers are to use effective forms of protection such as wide-brim hats and long sleeve clothing. In situations where the only effective means of protection is sun screen, then it too may be used. If OSHA can prove over exposure to the sun and an employer did not move to protect the worker, a general duty clause citation may be issued. For futhur information, OSHA has provided some great information in the OSHA Technical Manual: http://osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_iii_4.html Another great idea is to print out the Heat Stress Quick cards and provide them to all employees as a reminder of precautions they can take: OSHA Quick Card http://osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf [Back...] |