OAKLAND, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
With triple digit temperatures expected over the weekend and into early next
week, Cal/OSHA urges employers to observe the precautions specified in the heat
illness prevention regulation. To ensure compliance Cal/OSHA will have teams of
investigators inspecting outdoor employers over the weekend for heat illness
prevention requirements. For employees working outdoors, the hot sun with high
temperatures can be life-threatening.
"We will continue to mount a substantial enforcement presence to ensure that
workers are not suffering from heat illness," said Len Welsh, Chief of Cal/OSHA.
"It is critically important for those who work in high heat, and particularly
those who supervise them, to understand how rapidly the human body can be
damaged if simple precautions like drinking large amounts of water, resting in
shaded or cool areas, and responding rapidly to warning signs of heat illness,
are not taken."
Under the heat illness prevention regulation, employers are required to take
four basic steps to prevent heat illness at all outdoor worksites. These include
having and implementing comprehensive procedures on heat illness prevention, and
providing heat illness training to all employees - especially those who are not
proficient in the English language.
In addition, employers must provide their employees readily accessible, clean
and cool drinking water and ample shade or cooling areas. The hotter the
weather, the more employees should be encouraged to take periodic breaks in the
shade and pace themselves. Workers must also be encouraged to drink one quart,
or four 8-ounce cups of cool fresh water, every hour - and as much more than
that as they want. Avoiding alcoholic beverages is recommended, even after work,
since they can dangerously dehydrate the body for 24 hours or more after being
ingested. Caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and some sodas should be
avoided because they will cause dehydration even though you feel like you are
quenching your thirst when you drink them. Sports drinks may be offered, along
with water, as long as they are not used as a substitute for water and they do
not contain caffeine.
Employers must recognize early warning signs of heat illness and train their
supervisors and workers on symptom recognition as well. Some early symptoms and
signs of heat illness to watch for are headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
These symptoms should disappear rapidly if an employee rests and cools off. If
they do not, it is time to summon emergency medical services. If an employee
exhibits nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating or hot dry skin, mental
confusion, seizures, fainting or loss of consciousness, call for emergency
medical services immediately while you are getting him or her out of the sun if
possible and to the coolest area you can find.
Some employees who have health problems or medical conditions can be especially
vulnerable to heat. Diabetics need to know that they have this vulnerability, as
do many people who are taking anti-inflammatory medications or medications for
high blood pressure. These employees need to be extra vigilant for indications
that they are reacting adversely to heat exposure.
Employers with workers near sources of heat or inside buildings with limited
cooling capabilities must ensure that their Injury and Illness Prevention
Programs are effective and deal squarely with the heat hazards in their
workplaces. Cal/OSHA studies show effective reduction of heat illness depends on
employers having well-thought-out written procedures, ready access to water and
cooling areas, procedures to allow for acclimatization of new employees or those
who have not had recent exposure to hot working conditions, vigilant weather
monitoring, preparation and training for emergency response, and detailed
employee and supervisor training.
Under Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, California became the first state in
the nation to develop a safety and health regulation addressing heat illness in
2005. Cal/OSHA issued permanent heat illness prevention regulations to protect
outdoor workers in 2006.
For more information on heat illness prevention and training materials visit the
Cal/OSHA Web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/heatillness. Employees with
work-related questions or complaints may call the California Workers`
Information Hotline at 1-866-924-9757.
California Department of Industrial Relations
Erika Monterroza or Dean Fryer, 415-703-5050
www.dir.ca.gov
Copyright Business Wire 2009
