When temperatures and humidity rise, workers risk heat-related illness, which can be fatal. Even in years with no heat wave, hundreds of heat-related deaths occur in the United States. Californians know this all too well. There were 41 confirmed heat illnesses and one confirmed heat fatality in 2009. Heat is a particularly serious hazard in outdoor work such as agriculture and construction.
Cal/OSHA conducts around 2000 outdoor worksite inspections statewide each year. If inspectors find no shade, water or chairs to rest in at a worksite on a hot day, consequences could include fines of up to $25,000 per violation. Last year Cal/OSHA issued 1158 citations totaling nearly $2 million in fines, and shut down 16 job sites last year due to imminent heat hazards. That is why knowledge and action is important.
In our continuing effort to educate California employers and protect workers, the State Fund Employer Education Series presents “Heat Illness Prevention for Outdoor Work.” The free statewide seminars include new information from Cal/OSHA about their heat illness prevention emergency regulation enforcement.
The body normally cools itself by sweating. During extremely hot weather, and especially hot humid weather, sweating is not enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and heat illness can develop. Heat-related illnesses include:
State Fund is here to not only help protect the health of California workers, but also improve workplace safety. Workers with heat stress symptoms are more accident-prone, increasing chances of workplace injury. In addition, heat illness prevention helps increase productivity, as overheated employees work less efficiently. In addition to the Employer Education Series heat illness prevention seminars, State Fund’s Safety and Health Services has many resources available to help.
For additional information on heat illness prevention and sample employer procedures, visit www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html.
