I was going to continue my posts regarding fall protection after a short (and very busy) hiatus but after looking through my “Search Engine Terms” I noticed that all the searches lately have to do with the hot weather blanketing much of the country and how to protect construction workers. So lets explore this topic further!
While many office workers have the luxury of escaping the incessant heat by retreating to their air conditioned office, construction workers, roofers and road crews, to name a few, do not have this luxury. No matter what though, the work still needs to get done so employers must know, understand and communicate the hazards of working outdoors and the best ways of protecting themselves and their employees.
If you Google “hot weather and outdoor workers” right now, there are numerous news articles from around the country detailing how the heat is affecting outdoor construction workers and how some people are coping with the dangerously high temperatures. OSHA started a nationwide outreach campaign earlier this year to “raise awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather”.
Don’t think it’s possible to be killed at work from the heat? Check out this web page from OSHA showing how many employees each year suffer, sometimes fatally, from heat stroke. If you’re an employer who has an employee die from heat stroke, you must report it to OSHA within 8 hours of the occurrence.
OSHA does not currently have a regulation that states, “At this temperature, workers must stop working.” But the heat is a “recognized hazard” and as per the General Duty Clause, “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Now, unless you have a direct line to Mother Nature, you cant engineer-out the heat. But you can avoid needless injuries and/or fatalities by being prepared!
What exactly is heat illness? Heat illness can range from cramps or a rash to heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat illness that can often lead to death. But what causes heat illness in the first place? Your body automatically cools itself by sweating. But sometimes when the heat and humidity are so high, sweating isn’t enough to help maintain a healthy core temperature. Heat illnesses are entirely avoidable and preventable. Employers must make sure their employees drink plenty of water, take breaks more often and find some time in the shade.
What are some signs that you are getting too hot and need a cool down period? If you start feeling a headache coming on or you’re feeling a little dizzy, this is your body telling you that you’re overheating. If you start feeling confused, nauseous or start vomiting, medical attention should be sought immediately. Is your skin very dry? This means you are so dehydrated that your body can’t even sweat. Remember, these symptoms can happen so fast, you may not realize it until you are already sick.
Are some people at a greater risk than others to be effected by heat illness? As a matter of fact, yes. If you aren’t used to working outdoors in the heat, your body will need time to naturally adjust to the high temperatures. If you are overweight or have certain medical conditions (ex. heart condition, kidney issues, diabetes, etc.), especially ones that cause you to take prescription medication, you may be more prone to getting sick from the heat. But surprisingly, who are the people who frequent the emergency room more often with heat illnesses? The young and healthy. Just because you think you’re pretty fit means nothing! Heat illnesses don’t discriminate!
So what can you do to ensure you and your workers are preventing heat exhaustion and other illnesses? OSHA wants everyone to remember three simple words: WATER, REST, SHADE.
Water is an essential element of all human beings and you need to constantly replenish it. Don’t feel thirsty? Drink some anyway! It will save your life! And make sure everyone stays away from sugary and/or caffeinated drinks. These types of drinks (soda, coffee and some sports drinks) can DEHYDRATE you. When the work day is over, keep drinking water. This will help your body prepare for another heat filled day.
Resting and taking breaks in the shade is also helpful to get your core temperature down. Employers want to ensure there are shady places for employees to retreat. If you do not have a shady area for your employees, think about purchasing a tent-type cover. What places are unacceptable shady areas? Under heavy equipment, in garages where idling trucks are, etc. Safety must be thought about at all times!
Lastly, make sure your employees are wearing proper clothing to protect them from the heat. Light colored, loose fitting clothes are ideal. Hats are also recommended but if you are on a job site with 100% hard hats, manufacturers do not allow ball caps to be worn underneath the hard hat. Hats with soft brims are acceptable and provide better protection from the sun.
Be sure to visit OSHA’s web pages dedicated to heat awareness. And remember, the only heroes on a job site are the ones drinking water and taking frequent breaks in the shade. Teach your employees to be a hero today!
For hot weather training or tool box talks, contact L.A.W. Construction Safety Consultants, LLC at 770.880.1487