For many people, beating the summer heat is a matter of enjoying cool drink, staying in the shade, or taking a dip in the pool. For outdoor workers, the solution is not so easy. The arrival of the summer months means it’s time for employers to prepare for the occupational dangers of heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke, cramps, rashes, and exhaustion can damage the body’s vital organs and even lead to death.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool
To help combat heat sickness, OSHA and NIOSH recently released a new app that allows employers to plan outdoor work activities based on the expected heat throughout the day. Too often, the warning signs come from employees after they have already been overexposed. This app aims to avoid heat exposure by placing preventative tools in the hands of employers.
“With the hot summer months on our doorstep, this app is a valuable tool for employers and workers to help prevent heat-related illnesses,” said John Howard, M.D., director of NIOSH. “In many cases, workers rely on their employers to provide opportunities for taking rest breaks and drinking water. This app puts life-saving information at the fingertips of both supervisors and workers to inform them when they need to take precautions to stay safe at the worksite.”
The app works by determining the heat index and categorizing the current risk level as either minimal, low, moderate, high, or extreme. The heat values are forecasted hourly, so employers can determine the best times to work.
New technology is great for keeping workers safe, but it’s always important to know the visual warning signs of heat exposure. Here a few things employers should keep in mind while on the worksite this summer:
It may be too hot if…
- Air is stagnant
- Work becomes more strenuous
- Workers are wearing protective clothing or gear in strong heat
- Heat conducting equipment is not regulated
Your employees may be exhibiting symptoms of heat illness if they…
- Feel dizzy or faint
- Are heavily sweating with cold, clammy skin
- Have a weak pulse
- Exhibit fatigue or weakness
- Experience muscle cramps
In 2014 alone, heat illness affected 2,630 workers and 18 died due to heat-related causes. Outdoor workers are not the only ones at risk — occupations that are performed in a hot environment also need to stay vigilant. This includes firefighters, miners, factory workers, etc.
While the summer can present heat hazards for workers, it’s important to stay proactive about health and safety on your worksite all year round. Learn more about instituting a Medical Surveillance program for comprehensive employee health screening.
You can download the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool here.
