OSHA is renewing its efforts to direct “significant existing outreach and enforcement resources” to address heat stress in the workplace. This is a reminder to employers to ensure you have a heat stress policy in place and that your employees are trained on the hazards associated with heat.
By law, employers must protect workers from the dangers of heat exposure and should have a proper safety and health plan in place. At a minimum, employers should provide adequate cool water, rest breaks and shade or a cool rest area. Employees who are new or returning to a high heat workplace should be allowed time to gradually get used to working in hot temperatures. Workers and managers should also be trained so they can identify and help prevent heat illness themselves.