BCSP News

A heat hazard occurs when the air temperature is close to or warmer than normal body temperature, which affects the body’s ability to rid itself of heat. Other factors like humidity, bodily fluids and salts also affect this process. If the body cannot get rid of heat it stores, it causes the body’s core temperature to rise. When the body stores too much heat the person will begin to lose concentration, may become irritable or sick, and lose the desire to drink. Following stages are fainting and even death. According to OSHA, each year dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill due to working in extreme heat. More than 40 percent of those who die due to heat exposure work in the construction industry.

Most work environments that are exposed to heat stress are ones you might already know: construction, agriculture, landscaping, delivery, oil and gas. However, there are indoor environments you may not recognize as hot environments. Some of these include bakeries, kitchens, laundries, fire service, iron and steel mills, and warehousing.

To prevent heat illness, OSHA recommends employers and employees remember three keywords: water, rest, and shade.

Water: Proper hydration is essential in the prevention of heat-related injuries. Employers should provide cool water for workers to drink. Employees working in heat should drink one cup (eight ounces) every 20 minutes, not just when they are thirsty. Workers lose salt and electrolytes in their sweat, so sports drinks or other electrolyte beverages are recommended for longer jobs (i.e., more than two hours).

Rest: Breaks are recommended in situations of heat stress. As the heat increases, so should the frequency and duration of breaks. The length of breaks depends on several factors, but OSHA has provided more information on their Heat Hazard Recognition page.

Shade: Workers should be given a cool location where they can take their breaks and recover from the heat. This might be a shady area outdoors, a building or tent, an air-conditioned car, or an area with fans and misting devices. Indoors, workers should be allowed to rest in a cool or air-conditioned area away from heat sources such as ovens and furnaces.

OSHA has great tools and information on their Heat Exposure page, including information on planning and supervision, heat-related illnesses, prevention methods, and other important resources.

Stay safe and cool out there!