Category: Heat illness

Washington Heat, Smoke Rules Take Effect

Washington’s state outdoor heat exposure and wildfire smoke rules became effective June 15 and remain in effect through the end of September, the Department of Labor and Industries announced. The department has adopted emergency heat exposure requirements that include: Providing adequate shade (or alternatives) and water suitably cool for drinking; Encouraging and allowing workers to […]

California, Oregon Alert Employers to Heat Hazards

State occupational safety and health regulators in California and Oregon reminded employers to protect workers from heat hazards and comply with their states’ heat illness prevention standards. On June 2, the Oregon Occupation​al Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) announced the release of employer assistance resources for the state’s new heat illness prevention rule. The […]

Infographic: Preventing Heat Illness

As summer begins and temperatures rise, EHS leaders and management must protect their workers from the dangers of heat stress and illness. According to OSHA, thousands of workers get sick and even die from occupational heat exposure, despite it being entirely preventable. Here’s what you need to know about preventing heat illness. Check out our Back […]

Back to Basics: Heat Stress and Illness Prevention and Protection

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine heat stress and illness prevention and how to protect workers who work in high temperatures. As summer begins and temperatures rise, EHS leaders and management must protect their workers from the […]

Cal/OSHA Cautions Employers on Heat Hazards

With high temperatures expected throughout California, on May 23, the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reminded employers of outdoor workers to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to prevent heat illnesses. California has a state standard requiring that employers develop and implement written heat illness prevention plans, provide fresh water and […]

EHS On Tap: E112 Leading the Fight Against Heat Illness in the Workplace

On episode 112 of EHS On Tap, Margaret Morrissey, the director of occupational safety at Korey Stringer Institute and president of the National Heat Safety Coalition, talks about ongoing efforts to prevent heat illness in the workplace.

OSHA Regional Offices Issue Heat Cautions

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regional offices in Boston and Dallas have publicly cautioned employers within the past week to protect workers from the hazards of excessive heat. OSHA’s efforts in the past year to address workplace heat hazards have included a national emphasis program (NEP) of outreach, inspection, and enforcement, as well as […]

Oregon Adds Permanent Heat, Smoke Standards

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) recently announced new permanent workplace safety and health standards for heat and wildfire smoke exposures. Oregon rules for heat illness prevention and agricultural labor housing take effect June 15. The wildfire smoke protection standard takes effect July 1. “As we enter what we expect will be […]

How’s Your Training Program?

Do you have a strong employee safety training program? While training alone is not enough to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, it remains a key element of an effective safety and health management program. Research has shown that education and training can increase workers’ knowledge and help guide their actions and behaviors on the job. […]

OSHA Launches Heat Stress Enforcement Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an indoor and outdoor heat-related hazards National Emphasis Program (NEP). Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh unveiled the NEP on April 13 with Vice President Kamala Harris at a public event at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Training Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   OSHA plans to initiate […]