Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly to Workers
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Most states are experiencing an unprecedented heat wave and the U.S. is on track for the hottest summer on record. Heat is a well-known and recognized occupational hazard for outdoor and indoor workers that can cause serious or fatal illness when they are not provided the necessary protections and training.
Each year, thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and too many of those illnesses result in fatalities. New employees whose bodies have not had time to adjust to working in the heat are most vulnerable — nearly 3 out of 4 workers who die from heat-related causes die in their first week on the job.
Employer Responsibility
It’s the law! Employers have a duty to protect workers against heat. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility not to assign work in high-heat conditions without protections in place for workers, where they could be literally worked to death. This is true even in Texas, despite its recent law limiting local ordinances on heat illness protections. At a minimum, employers should provide adequate cool water, rest breaks, and shade or a cool rest area for employees. Give new or returning employees the chance to gradually acclimatize (or become used to working in hot temperatures), to be trained and plan for emergencies, and to monitor for heat signs/symptoms. Train employees on heat illness prevention, signs of heat illness, and how to act immediately if they or another employee appears to be suffering from a heat-related illness. Worker Rights: Every worker is covered under the OSH Act.
Workers can file a confidential complaint with OSHA if they believe their working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, or if they think their employer is not following OSHA standards. Complaints can be reported by calling OSHA at 800- 321-OSHA or filed online. It is illegal for any employer to fire or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA and uses their legal rights. Workers can exercise their rights to file a Whistleblower complaint within 30 days if they believe they have been retaliated against in any way.
Federal Enforcement OSHA initiated a National Emphasis Program on heat in April 2022, and continues to focus enforcement efforts in geographic areas and industries with the most vulnerable workers. Many states have their own initiatives, and several have their own OSHA heat standards.