What are employers’ responsibilities related to indoor heat stress?
Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that “is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” This includes heat-related hazards that are likely to cause death or serious bodily harm.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has observed that heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related phenomena. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. To protect workers from the increasing danger, OSHA has expanded its efforts to encourage early interventions by employers and has increased inspection and enforcement in industries and occupations where there is a high risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
What can employers do to reduce the risk of heat illness in indoor work environments?
Employers with employees who work near sources of heat, inside buildings with limited cooling capabilities, perform moderate or higher physical activity, wear heavy or bulky clothing, or operate equipment increasing the risk of heat illness, must have a written injury and illness prevention plan and training program that addresses heat hazards. An effective heat-related hazard training program informs workers:
- about the dangers of working in the heat
- how to recognize heat-related hazards, particularly when performing high-risk activities, working outdoors, or in high-risk industries during a heat wave
- effective heat illness prevention measures, emphasizing drinking cool water, taking rest breaks, and taking breaks in a shaded location
- self-monitoring and monitoring others for signs of heat illness
- knowing what actions to take when a worker shows signs of heat illnesses and in the event of a medical emergency
- acclimatization procedures for new and returning workers
Why post the Indoor Heat Stress Illness Prevention Poster?
- The Indoor Heat Stress Illness Prevention poster details measures that can make a significant difference in the prevention and outcome of heat stress illness cases.
- OSHA recommends displaying heat illness posters to facilitate training and reinforce heat illness prevention and response techniques. Pamphlets can be distributed to workers for quick reference.
- OSHA is empowered to issue citations for failure to provide an adequate heat illness prevention program under the General Duty Clause. Other OSHA violations may include the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard, the Recordkeeping regulation, Sanitation standards, and Medical Services and First Aid standards.