August 24,2017
OSHA, on the Topic on working in the Summer Heat
Every year, once every summer, there is always a time when the summer heat becomes intolerable. Many people who work in the fields or doing road works, have to face the summer heat. And to some, it could be lethal. This past Late July towards the first days of August, temperatures in Northern California were past 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If your are an employer in the following work areas: Agriculture, Construction, Landscaping and Oil and gas extraction, please keep reading.
On august 1 of this year, there was a news letter that came out on the OSHA official website (www.osha.gov) that was named "Cal/OSHA Stresses Importance of Monitoring Workers, Recognizing Early Symptoms of Heat Illness as Central Valley Swelters". There were several points that were mentioned: 1. They stressed the importance of employees to stay hydrated by drinking an 8 ounce of water every 15 minutes. 2. Those employees who have medical conditions, may need to take extra precautions. 3. Supervisors or employers must be trained to take care of a situation when an employee gets ill during this heat. 4. And finally, It reminds the work force that there is an organization that helps its employees being informed on how to take care of themselves during this heat.
According to OSHA of the State of California, The California Heat Regulation (1) requires for employers with outdoor workers, heat at or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit requires additional precautions. Among other measures, it is crucial that workers are actively monitored for early signs of heat illness. (http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3395.html)
The Heat regulation says , there has to be access to a shade, if the temperature rises more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taken for the text of the Heat Regulation: "Ensuring that effective communication by voice, observation, or electronic means is maintained so that employees at the work site can contact a supervisor when necessary. An electronic device, such as a cell phone or text messaging device, may be used for this purpose only if reception in the area is reliable. Observing employees for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness. The employer shall ensure effective employee observation/monitoring by implementing one or more of the following: Supervisor or designee observation of 20 or fewer employees, or Mandatory buddy system, or Regular communication with sole employee such as by radio or cellular phone, or Other effective means of observation. Designating one or more employees on each work-site as authorized to call for emergency medical services, and allowing other employees to call for emergency services when no designated employee is available. Reminding employees throughout the work shift to drink plenty of water. Pre-shift meetings before the commencement of work to review the high heat procedures, encourage employees to drink plenty of water, and remind employees of their right to take a cool-down rest when necessary. For employees employed in agriculture, the following shall also apply:
When temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, the employer shall ensure that the employee takes a minimum ten minute net preventative cool-down rest period every two hours".
To add on to the subject, there is a 9 minute video where it explains the importance to take preventative measures to protect oneself during a heat wave. The link is directly at the bottom of this paragraph.
That was just some of the text from the Heat Regulation that we have at the state of California. There is more that you can look up yourself by clicking at (www.osha.gov.)
As managers, supervisors, and/or employers, safety is the number one priority in any job. We must provide our employees safety that they deserve. Employees are what makes a business possible. Stayed tuned for the next blog about OSHA but about a different topic.
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