Thousands of individuals in the workforce are exposed to heat-related illnesses every year. As the summer temperature rises, both outdoor and indoor workplaces need to prioritize heat-related safety measures.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines and standards to help employers protect their workers from the dangers of excessive heat. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with these key requirements and implement them into all workplace safety policies.
Workforce safety is of the utmost importance. By law, employers are responsible for promoting workplaces that are free of known safety hazards, including extreme heat.
OSHA emphasizes the prevention of heat-related illnesses in all workplaces. Failure to comply with OSHA guidelines and regulations can result in significant fines and penalties for employers. Employers may also face lawsuits from employees or their families if heat-related illnesses result in severe injury or death.
To better promote workplace safety in the heat, employers can implement programs to provide alerts to require workers to rest and drink water during extreme heat conditions. It might seem rather simple, but it can truly make a difference. Also, employers can allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads; taking more frequent breaks during the return to work can build a greater tolerance for working in the heat.
Additionally, employers need to plan for heat emergencies and train workers on how to prevent heat illness or injury, this includes monitoring workers for signs of heat illness.
Understanding and recognizing the signs of heat illness in the workplace is crucial for preventing serious health issues. Heat illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat rash or headaches to severe conditions like heat stroke.
A heat rash is characterized by red clusters of pimples or small blisters, usually on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that typically occur in the legs, arms, or abdomen.
Additionally, symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. The skin may feel cool and moist. And, more extreme, heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature regulation fails. Symptoms include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is critical.
Heat-related illnesses not only pose significant health risks to the workforce but also come with considerable financial costs for employers and the economy. These costs can be categorized into direct and indirect expenses, each impacting businesses and society in various ways.
For example, a direct cost of heat illness in the workplace is treatment. The expenses incurred for treating heat-related illnesses can be substantial. This includes emergency room visits, hospital admissions, medications, and follow-up care costs. Additionally, employers are often liable for workers’ compensation claims, which can cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees suffering from heat-related illnesses.
An example of indirect costs would be loss of workforce productivity. Heat stress can reduce workers’ productivity as they may need more frequent breaks, work at a slower pace, or be unable to perform their duties effectively. Another indirect cost is time off—employees suffering from heat-related illnesses may need to take time off work, leading to a loss of manpower and decreased productivity.
Furthermore, there are also operational disruptions that occur. Severe heat conditions may force employers to temporarily halt operations, especially in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. When workers are incapacitated due to heat-related illnesses, employers may also need to train replacement workers, which incurs additional costs and time.
With so many potential costs and liabilities associated with heat illness and injuries, it becomes apparent that policies and solutions need to be in place to protect workers.
As a leader in workplace safety solutions, Becklar prioritizes safety. Their advanced, AI-powered technology provides the most effective safety data to protect workers everywhere.
Becklar’s Workforce Safety Solutions are among the most comprehensive and customizable solutions available. Recently, Becklar has taken the initiative to address OSHA’s standards and implement a way to better protect workers affected by heat exposure.
Becklar’s WorkerSafety Pro app—designed for environmental, health, or social risks—isn’t new. This digital PPE solution for workers has been a frontrunner for a while; however, OSHA-recommended heat risk levels such as weather, WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), clothing level, and exertion have been recently integrated into this innovative safety solution.
The app provides customizable hourly heat notifications based on these heat risk levels. With these custom notifications, workers have more control over their safety and well-being. It is often easy to get caught up in work and forget about your own health; now, workers can truly prioritize their health even in the midst of work.
Additionally, through Becklar’s Dashboard, safety managers can easily see their employees’ health notifications. They can customize the levels of heat risk, as well as the frequency, content, and language of messages sent to workers. Through the Dashboard, managers can also require workers to acknowledge and act on the messages. Examples of messages could be to take a 15-minute break or drink a bottle of water. This helps to ensure that workplace safety is improved and that heat-related illnesses are reduced.
To learn more about Becklar’s mission to protect workers in the heat and promote workforce safety, watch this webinar.
Protecting workers from the dangers of excessive heat is the responsibility of employers.
By adhering to OSHA’s guidelines and implementing safety solutions from Becklar, employers can create a safer work environment during the hot months. Ensuring worker safety not only helps prevent heat-related illnesses but also contributes to overall productivity and well-being.
Implementing these guidelines effectively can significantly improve worker safety and health, creating a more resilient and productive workforce even in the hottest conditions.
