OSHA reminds employers the dangers of working in hot weather

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reminding employers to protect their employees from the dangers of heat illness due to working in the hot weather.

Under the OSHA Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

>> Signs and symptoms you could be suffering from a heat-related illness

Employers should:

  • Encourage workers to drink water every 15 minutes; and take frequent rest breaks in the shade to cool down
  • Develop an emergency plan that explains what to do when a worker shows signs of heat-related illness
  • Train workers on the hazards of heat exposure, and how to prevent illness
  • Allow workers to build a tolerance for working in heat

Employees who work in high temperatures and humid conditions are at risk for heat-related illness. Symptoms include fainting, dizziness, nausea and muscle spasms. Keep workers safe by following these steps:

  • Provide water, frequent rest breaks, and shade.
  • Allow time to build a tolerance for working in the heat
  • Offer training on the hazards of heat exposure and how to prevent illness
  • Develop an emergency action plan on what to do if a worker shows signs of heat-related illness

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