OSHA Offers Tips for Working in Hot Weather

WASHINGTON - The sun brings special hazards for those working outdoors. To help employers and workers stay safe throughout the summer months, OSHA offers tips that can help prevent heat-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries.

The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to fatalities. The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can make a difference in preventing a fatality.

Keep Cool During the Summer Months by:

-- Acclimatize yourself and fellow workers by exposing them to work in a hot environment for progressively longer periods.
-- Replace Fluids by providing cool (50°-60°F) water or any cool liquid (except alcoholic beverages) to workers and encourage them to drink small amounts frequently
-- Reduce the physical demands by reducing physical exertion such as excessive lifting, climbing, or digging with heavy objects.
-- Provide recovery areas such as air-conditioned enclosures and rooms and provide intermittent rest periods with water breaks.
-- Reschedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day, and routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas should be scheduled for the cooler seasons of the year.
-- Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress, such as those wearing semi-permeable or impermeable clothing when the temperature exceeds 70°F, while working at high metabolic loads (greater than 500 kcal/hour).
For these and other OSHA tips, regulations and the latest information, visit http://www.complianceregs.com and keep safe and cool this summer!