OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in hot environments. However, employers may be cited under OSHA’s Setion 5(a)(1) General Duty Clause if they do not help keep employees safe in the workplace. Under the OSH Act, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace, including heat-related hazards. Workers new to outdoor jobs are generally most at risk for heat-related illnesses. For example, Cal/OSHA investigated 25 incidents of heat-related illness in 2005. In almost half of the cases, the worker involved was on their first day of work and in 80% of the cases the worker involved had only been on the job for four or fewer days. That's why it's important to gradually increase the workload or allow more frequent breaks to help new workers and those returning to a job after time away build up a tolerance for hot conditions. Make sure that workers understand the risks and are "acclimatized".
According to OSHA, workers include any workers who spend a substantial portion of the shift outdoors. Examples include construction workers, agricultural workers, baggage handlers, electrical power transmission and control workers, and landscaping and yard maintenance workers. These worker are at risk of heat-related illness when the heat index is high. Additional risk factors are listed below. These must be taken into consideration even when the heat index is lower:
- Work in direct sunlight - adds up to 15 degrees to the heat index
- Perform prolonged or strenuous work
- Wear heavy protective clothing or impermeable suits
To learn more how to keep outdoor workers safe, continue following Risk Manager on Your Side or click below to contact the Goosmann Law Firm with any questions or concerns.
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