With summertime not too far down the road, officials in California are noting the needed preparations when it comes to protecting outdoor workers.
Cal/OSHA is urging employers with outdoor workers to prepare for high heat now.
According to the National Climatic Data Center, 2014 was the hottest calendar year on record since 1895 in California, and the Center has already recorded similarly record-breaking temperatures over the last two months.
Preparation is essential to prevent heat illness which can include headaches, fatigue, excessive sweating and muscle cramps in the early stages, and can rapidly progress to mental confusion, vomiting, fainting, seizures and death.
“Employers must ensure they take the steps necessary to protect outdoor workers, especially during times of high heat,” said Christine Baker, director of the Department of Industrial Relations.
Employers are required to take the following minimum, basic steps:
• Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
• Provide employees with enough cool, fresh water to drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage them to do so.
• Provide access to shaded areas, and encourage employees to take rest breaks of at least five minutes – before they feel any sickness.
• Develop and implement written procedures – in English and other languages as necessary – for complying with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard.
Goal to Make Sure Workers Don’t Risk Health
“California has the most extensive heat illness prevention requirements in the country,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “The goal is to ensure that outdoor workers are not risking their health.”
Employers must also take special protective measures when temperatures reach 95 degrees or above. Supervisors must:
• Observe workers for signs of heat illness.
• Provide close supervision of workers in their first 14 days of employment (to ensure acclimatization).
• Have effective communication systems in place for calling emergency responders if necessary.
An amended heat regulation has been proposed by the Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board. The board has requested that the amendments be approved by the Office of Administrative Law with an effective date of May 1, 2015 – in time for this year’s growing season.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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