In fiscal year 2016, the Houston Area OSHA Offices had three suspected heat-related fatalities, which was fewer than the five cases we had during the summer of 2015, but still higher than past years. In addition to the fatalities, during calendar year 2016, there were 26 suspected heat-related hospitalizations, compared to 14 suspected heat illnesses hospitalizations the previous year. Whether the increase in hospitalizations was due to heat conditions or increased reporting can’t be determined. Last summer was deadly, and working together to ensure water, rest and shade for the workers, we can prevent heat-related incidents this summer.
Heat-related incidents may result in citation under the 5(a)(1) General Duty Clause, which says each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
One method to combat hazards is to establish a heat stress management program that incorporates guidelines from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist threshold limit values and biological exposure indices, the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health document “Working in Hot Environments,” and OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics on Occupational Heat Exposure. Such a program may include, but is not limited to:
• Acclimatizing employees beginning work in hot environments or those returning from an absence period of three or more days.
• Implementing a work/rest regimen that includes a provision to allow employees to become acclimatized to extreme heat conditions.
• Providing a training program for all employees, including temporary employees, day laborers and part-time employees regarding the health effects associated with heat stress and recognizing symptoms and methods of prevention for heat-induced illnesses.
• Providing specific procedures to be followed for emergency situations and procedures for first aid to be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of injury or illness.
• Using dermal patches for monitoring core temperature to better identify when workers need to be removed from the work area.
• Providing cool water and encouraging employees to drink 5-7 ounces of water every 10-15 minutes.
• Providing shaded areas where heat-affected employees may take their breaks and/ or recover.
For more information, contact Jim Shelton at shelton.james@dol.gov. •
Resources on Preventing Heat Illness
• OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/index.html
• CDC/NIOSH Heat Stress Page http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress
• GA OSHCON Heat http://www.oshainfo.gatech.edu/ergo_heatstress.html
• TX OSHCON Heat http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/safety/videoresources/index.html
