Heat Requires Extra Precaution for Workers
Temperatures are reaching record levels in much of the country. But a 100-degree heat index is nothing compared to the warmth inside a confined space such as a building’s crawl space or inside a sign cabinet. That’s the type of environment that sign installers and maintenance technicians are exposed to every day.
While OSHA does not have specific standards related to warm environments, the agency has issued a series of recommendations designed to help workers remain safe in extreme weather. (Some state-level OSHAs do have specific standards; make sure you know what is expected in your state.)
One of the key aspects of the OSHA recommendation is the “buddy” system, which suggests that in extremely hot weather, workers should have a coworker accompany them. Then, if a worker is overcome by the heat, he or she will have help available.
In addition to frequent breaks in the shade and drinking plenty of water, OSHA also recommends special considerations be provided to workers who may not be accustomed to the heat, such as those who are new on the job or those who have been away from work for more than a week. Also, workers who wear bulky protective gear or those who perform heavy work tasks are at a higher risk.
OSHA also has a variety of educational resources posted on its website, including a smartphone app that displays the heat index at a certain location and guidelines for safety training related to heat.
