The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among employers and workers to educate them on the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather. US DOL Secretary Solis says, “If you’re working outdoors, you’re at risk for heat-related illnesses that can cause serious medical problems and even death.” Heat illness related issues are completely preventable with proper training and training reinforcement. The Labor Department campaign will reach across the country with this very important message – workers need water, rest and shade.
As we move into the hot summer months workers all across the nation will be exposed to high temperatures that compromise their safety. Heat is a real danger for workers in industries ranging from agriculture, construction and transportation to others such as road repair, airport baggage and car sales. Employers should take appropriate precautions to ensure workers safety on the job. This includes a comprehensive training curriculum. Compliance Poster Company has several effective products that will enhance and reinforce training employers provide for their workers. These products include the following:
- CPC’s best selling poster, Federal Heat Stress Illness #74705 English & #75705 Spanish
- Heat Stress Illness Prevention for Indoor Working Environments Poster #74784
- Federal Heat Illness for Athletes Poster #74706 English & #75706 Spanish
- Federal Heat Illness Guide Tri-fold Pamphlets #74750 English & #75750 Spanish
The federal government has worked closely with California’s Cal/OSHA to adapt materials from that state’s successful outreach program on heat illness for use in its national effort. Additionally, OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts. When heat alerts are issued across the United States they will incorporate worker safety precautions. The NOAA has a Heat Watch web page at http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php which will include important worker safety information. Together with state and federal authorities employers and can protect their workers and achieve a safer, more productive work environment.