It’s a Start: OSHA Delivers a Heat Hazard Alert
Just in time — with record-breaking heat, workers struggling to cope with sweltering conditions (plus hundreds of fatalities), and OSHA behind the 8 ball to create a policy, standard, something to address/help supervisors and their workers — OSHA has issued a heat hazard alert.
OSHA’s heat hazard alert has been implemented as most states are experiencing an unprecedented heat wave, the U.S. is on track for the hottest summer on record, and scores of workers
“Heat is a well-known and recognized occupational hazard for outdoor and indoor workers that can cause serious or fatal illness when they are not provided the necessary protections and training. Each year, thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and too many of those illnesses result in fatalities. New employees whose bodies have not had time to adjust to working in the heat are most vulnerable — nearly 3 out of 4 workers who die from heat-related causes die in their first week on the job.” – OSHA
Watch this video below to learn a few tips on how to stay safe in the heat!
EMPLOYERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
– “It’s the law! Employers have a duty to protect workers against heat. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility not to assign work in high heat conditions without protections in place for workers, where they could be literally worked to death. This is true even in Texas, despite its recent law limiting local ordinances on heat illness protections.
– At a minimum, employers should provide adequate cool water, rest breaks, and shade or a cool rest area for employees.
– Give new or returning employees the chance to gradually acclimatize (or become used to working in hot temperatures), to be trained and plan for emergencies, and to monitor for heat signs/symptoms.
– Train employees on heat illness prevention, signs of heat illness, and how to act immediately if they or another employee appears to be suffering from a heat-related illness.
WORKER RIGHTS
- Workers can file a confidential complaint with OSHA if they believe their working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, or if they think their employer is not following OSHA standards.
- Complaints can be reported by calling OSHA at 800-321-OSHA or filed online.
- Every worker covered under the OSH Act has the right to a safe and healthful workplace.
- It is illegal for any employer to fire or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA and uses their legal rights.
- Workers can exercise their rights to file a Whistleblower complaint within 30 days if they believe they have been retaliated against in any way.
FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT - “OSHA initiated a National Emphasis Program on heat in April 2022, and continues to focus enforcement efforts in geographic areas and industries with the most vulnerable workers. Many states have their own initiatives, and several have their own OSHA heat standards.
“The Agency is planning enhanced enforcement actions, with a strategic focus on geographic locations and industries where high heat impacts vulnerable worker populations. This means more inspection activity as well as a broader use of enforcement tools, especially where workers are in clear danger.
“OSHA will also be providing outreach and compliance assistance to ensure employers, including those not covered by the OSH Act, and worker organizations have the tools to protect workers from hazardous heat.
“OSHA is also diligently working towards publishing a proposed standard on heat illness prevention for indoor and outdoor workers. We are currently in the congressionally mandated Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act process, to get feedback from small businesses on regulatory approaches under consideration.
“Employers should immediately take all steps to protect workers from extreme heat. Learn more about how to protect workers from occupational heat hazards at osha.gov/heat.”
Content source/credit: osha.gov/heat, “Hazard Alert: Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly to Workers.”
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