Dog Days of Summer

Working outdoors in summer heat can be more than uncomfortable—it can be downright dangerous. As part of a focus on the hazards of working safely in warm temperatures, OSHA and Florida employers held a voluntary safety stand-down in early June. The goal was to stop work for an hour and conduct safety training on symptoms of heat-related illness and how to keep workers safe.

Worksites in other states across the southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, also participated in stand-down events.

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The combination of heat and humidity that is common in Florida and other parts of the country is especially hazardous. The problem is that performing labor-intensive activities like agriculture, construction, roofing, and landscaping in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond levels that can be cooled by sweating.

Train your workers to follow these OSHA-recommended basic precautions:

• Drink small amounts of water frequently;
• Take frequent breaks in cool shade;
• Eat smaller meals before working;
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar;
• Work in the shade if possible;
• Be aware that respirators or work suits can increase heat stress;
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brim hat; and
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

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If it’s not already on your training calendar, consider devoting an upcoming safety meeting to heat-related safety. You need to provide information and take precautions to protect your workers. Learn more at http://www.OSHA.gov/heat.

Why It Matters

• Every year, thousands of employees across the country suffer from serious heat-related illness.
• If not addressed, heat exhaustion can become heatstroke, which can be deadly.
• Avoid allowing your employees to get anywhere near the point of heatstroke by refreshing their safety training on working in the heat regularly throughout the summer months.