OSHA Releases New Heat Illness Resources

Spreading awareness about working safely in the heat is the aim of two new OSHA resources – one intended for young workers and the other geared toward employers, managers and supervisors.

According to the Young Workers and Heat Illness fact sheet, these employees – perhaps holding their first job – may not be fully prepared to work safely. OSHA explains how workers younger than 25 are twice as likely to be injured than older workers, noting that they’re less likely to ask questions, raise concerns or make demands of an employer. They also may not be acclimatized to hot work environments.

The resource details important precautions to take before starting work in the heat, as well as signs of heat stress and a medical emergency, types of first aid, and how to determine when it’s time to call for help.

The Safety in 5 resource, titled Plan and Respond to a Heat Emergency, is a five-step guide to having a five-minute conversation with workers via a toolbox talk, safety huddle or daily briefing.

To make these talks effective, OSHA suggests customizing the information in the steps below with site-specific instructions:

Explain why it matters. Knowing how to respond to a heat emergency can save lives.
Tell workers what they need to know. Train workers on the signs and symptoms of heat emergencies, how to get help and who to call, and what to do when someone is experiencing a heat emergency.
What can workers do? They should hydrate throughout the day, take rest breaks in a shaded or cooled area, follow the buddy system, and understand personal factors, among other actions.
Let’s talk about it. Have quick conversations to lock in knowledge.
How to report a concern. Remind workers who the contact person is at the jobsite or in the organization in case a safety problem arises and it needs to be addressed.