High Heat Safety
As we step into the hot and humid summertime here in the southeastern United States, heat stress is an added safety issue that is front of mind for many of our clients in addition to those who manage high heat year round. No matter how often this hazard is present, heat can cause a variety of health issues including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and more.
As with all safety risks, there are a variety of options for addressing this hazard. In settings where it is possible, engineering out the risk is the ideal action; whether that be air conditioning, fans, or heat blocking (more on this here). For workplaces where removing/limiting the heat is not an option, other steps can be taken to ensure workers are not experiencing dangerous heat stress.
While personal risk factors, from physical fitness to substance use, contribute to the susceptibility of each individual to heat stress, employers should commit to prevention for all employees regardless of their tolerance levels. It is important to recognize that acclimatization is an essential component to working in high heat settings. OSHA notes that, “Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time…lack of acclimatization represents a major risk factor for fatal outcomes.”
In addition to acclimatization, ensuring proper access to water and electrolytes, shade, and cooling PPE are appropriate actions to take in high heat settings. Understand here that the environment plays a big role in the effectiveness of heat stress PPE. For example, in areas where the humidity is high, cooling bandanas may not be as effective as they would be in less humid environments. For more humid environments, cooling towels would be a better choice.
We can expect to see clearer expectations on this topic from OSHA coming down the line. According to the Department of Labor;
“OSHA is proposing to issue a new standard, titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, with some exceptions. It would be a programmatic standard that would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would more clearly set forth employer obligations and the measures necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. OSHA requests comments on all aspects of the proposed rule.”
Currently, OSHA has an informal public hearing scheduled to begin on June 16, 2025.
Are you unsure where to start with heat stress PPE? We are happy to help you explore the best options for your environment! Just reach out to sales@safetypackonline.com or 919-602-2503!
Find more information here:
From OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-national-news-release/20241202-0
https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure#MorePersonalRiskFactorsinformation
From the Department of Labor: