OSHA’s Campaign Against Heat Illness
Exposure to heat causes illness to the employees which can otherwise be prevented. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has published guidelines for workers who are working outdoors in high temperatures for long hours. The heat related activities can include working in high air temperatures, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot object or other exhausting or exhausting physical activities. Such places comprise of iron and steel industries, ceramic plants, rubber factories, chemical and steel tunnels and many others.
People working as field labors, construction crew, car sales, airport luggage handling and road construction workers are most affected by the dangerous effects of working in the heat. Heat related illness includes temporary loss of mental capacity and physical coordination or loss of muscle focus. It can become a major point of concern if appropriate action is not taken within time.
OSHA reports that many workers experience heat related illnesses and several other problems arising from it. The government is advising employers to provide preventive measures for the employees so that the work environment is conducive.
OSHA intends to partner with various employers, trade organizations, unions, community groups, educational institutions and health care professionals to provide training and education materials. They have joined hands with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue nationwide heat alerts and directives on how to prevent the same. The program will provide with the preventive measures and treatment for heat related illness in the language understandable by the employees.
Prevention against heat related illness can be achieved through following activities:
1. Employees resting at proper intervals.
2. Arrangement of proper shady places.
3. Provision of Clean drinking water.
4. Employees should be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. First aid assistance for emergency treatment.
Additionally, relevant safety signs have to be provided in order to make workers aware of a possible threat and respond suitably. In case the preventive measures are not taken by the employer then State OSHA regulations, crime law, workers’ compensation, third party liability law can come in to the scene and intervene.
Find more details on OSHA Heat Illness Campaign here