The goal of the National Emphasis Program (NEP) for Indoor and Outdoor Heat-Related Hazards is to identify and eliminate or reduce worker exposures to
occupational heat-related illnesses, injuries and fatalities, by targeting industries and worksites with known heat-related incidents.
OSHA Compliance Enforcement Officers will perform a heat-related inspection while on-site for other investigations or if they observe any heat-related work while passing by.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2015 and 2019, environmental heat cases resulted in an average of 35 fatalities per year and an average of 2,700 cases with days away from work.
Heat-related incidents can occur at almost any ambient temperature, especially when the body heat is generated by physical
work in extreme heat and humidity.
Heat-related fatalities are usually the result of exertional heat stroke, where physical activity in hot environments causes the body temperature to reach 104°F or higher.
Heat-related fatalities have occurred with a heat index of below 80° when all the factors are present, such as PPE, direct sunlight, high humidity, and physical activity.
When the heat index is 80°F or higher, serious occupational heat-related illnesses and injuries are more frequent.
The National Weather Service is given in degrees Fahrenheit and is a measure of how hot it really “feels” when relative humidity is factored in with air temperature.
The National Weather Service uses a heat index to classify environmental heat into four categories.
Caution (80°F – 90°F)
Extreme Caution (91°F – 103°F)
Danger (103°F – 124°F)
Extreme Danger (125°F – or higher)
It is critical to monitor temperatures in these ranges to
ensure the safety of your employees.
Tips for keeping workers safe with a heat index of 80°F or higher:
Employers institute a Heat-related Safety Program, educate and train workers on how to recognize signs and symptoms of heat-related health conditions.
Acclimate¹ new employees, seasonal or temporary employees, anyone absent for three or more days, and anyone
who normally does not perform work when the heat index is 80°F or higher.
Provide workers with an area for breaks with access to cool water, rest, and shade.
Provide fans to circulate air flow.
Take breaks more frequent, as needed to cool down and hydrate.
Rotate workers often to allow time tocool down.
When working in direct sunlight, wear loose clothing and hat.Do not forget sunblock.
Choose appropriate PPE for the work to be performed, if able, for example a welder has to wear heavy, fire-retardant PPE without the option of lighter, cooler clothing.The welder will need to take more frequent breaks to cool down.
Schedule
work, if possible, to a cooler part of the season.
Drink plenty of water, and do not wait until you are thirsty – STAY HYDRATED!
Watch your urine color, darker urine indicates lack of hydrating.
Avoid alcohol and
liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
Never work alone, use the buddy system and radios / routine check-ins. Watch each other.
¹Acclimatization is a process by which a person gradually increases their exposure time to hot environmental conditions, causing beneficial physiological changes by properly regulating body temperature that minimizes heat-related illnesses.
