Let’s not forget that OSHA’s Heat Illness Nation Emphasis Program (NEP) is still going strong. On days that the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for certain areas, expect OSHA to be making rounds and doing inspections in 70+ indoor and outdoor industry settings that are considered high risk for heat illness. 

A study was recently published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health using data reported to OSHA. The research team found that 3% of all injuries and fatalities were exertion related – and of those, a staggering 89% were heat-related. Unsurprisingly, industries associated with outdoor work like construction, agriculture, and farming show heat as being a significant occupational danger – but the stats are also high for assembly line workers. Even today, many indoor industrial environments like warehousing, and production and assembly lines, don’t have A/C throughout their entire facility. Office areas will typically be cooled - but where most of the workers are concentrated, they rely on large ceiling fans, air circulation provided by open windows and loading docks, as well as personal cooling devices brought by the employees themselves. 

Much like work-related falls, heat illnesses are preventable. As an employer, you have a responsibility to provide rest, water, and shade to employees, allow new workers to acclimate to the heat in short bursts, monitor staff for signs of heat illness, plan for emergencies, and train your team to do the same and look out for one another. If any employee shows signs of heat illness, you should act right away. Remove the worker from the sun and heat immediately and take first aid steps to cool them down, and do not leave them alone. Heat illnesses are stealthy, and can progress rapidly with the potential to lead to a fatality. If the worker is showing signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, slurred speech or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately. 

If you have questions or concerns about your company’s heat illness prevention and protection programs, please reach out to our safety team at (440) 249-5284. OSHA has plenty of information and posters available on their website as well.