SOME HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION ELEMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS w/ OUTDOOR EMPLOYMENT

CA employers w/ outdoor places of employment must comply with the Heat Illness Prevention Standard - the elements include: 

·       Access to Water

·       Access to Shade

·       Weather Monitoring and Acclimatization

·       High Heat Procedures

·       Employee and Supervisory Training

·       Written Procedures Including

·       Emergency Response

·       Locate the water containers as close as practicable given the working conditions and layout of the work site. Maintain it readily accessible – and encourage the frequent drinking of water.    

A WRITTEN PROGRAM / PROCEDURES – FOR HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION 

Link from the state to a free written program (9-pages)= 

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ESPHIP.pdf

REMIND WORKERS NOT TO WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE THIRSTY.  

When the temperature exceeds 85°F: Have and maintain one or more areas of shade at all times, when employees are present and locate shade as close as practical to the employee work area. Accommodate at least 25% of the employees on the shift at any one time. However, retain the ability to permit access to all workers requesting it.

Additional rules apply for some industries when the temperature equals or exceeds 95°F - You must implement additional preventive measures:

1. Ensure effective communication (by voice, observation or electronic means).

2. Observe employees for alertness and signs and symptoms of heat illness.

3. Give more frequent reminders to drink plenty of water.

4. Closely supervise new employees, for the first 14 days.

(remember this is for employers with any outdoor places of employment)

Training literature for employee (EE):

Cal-OSHA Link to this EE literature:

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/HeatIllnessEmployeeEngSpan.pdf











Fed-OSHA Quick Card info on Heat= 
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf  

General tips on typical heat:

•   Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
•   NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
•   Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
•  Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90’s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower/bath, or moving into AC is a much better way to cool off.
•  Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. (If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.) Call a local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

Where and when does this standard apply?

This standard applies to outdoor places of employment. In addition, the following industries are subject to additional requirements in high heat (over 95°F or above):

1. Agriculture 
2. Construction 
3. Landscaping 
4. Oil and gas extraction, and -
5. Transportation and delivery of agricultural products and of construction or other heavy materials (e.g. furniture, lumber, freight, cargo, cabinets, industrial or commercial materials). 

eTool link for details=

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/EWP_highHeat.htm