OUTSIDE WORKERS: REDUCTION OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

GENERAL

These procedures provide the minimal steps applicable to most outdoor work situations and essential to reducing the incidence of heat related illnesses. in working environments with a higher risk for heat illnesses (e.g., during a heat wave, or with severe working or environmental conditions), it is everyone's duty to exercise even greater caution and additional protective measures beyond what is listed in this document, as needed to protect employees. Additional protective measures include:

1. Increased employer vigilance for frequent water consumption and symptoms of heat illness for non- acclimatized employees or during the first 2 weeks on job, and for all employees during heat waves or prolonged high heat stress conditions.

2. Graduated work schedule and greater opportunities for cooled work breaks for first 2 weeks on job.

Replenishment Procedures

1. The Supervisor should ensure at least 2 quarts per employee at the start of the shift. Employees will replenish as needed by way of clean portable water at jobsites, service stations or other means.

2. The Supervisor should monitor water containers every 30 minutes and encourage employees to report to low water levels, warm or dirty water.

3. The Supervisor should remind employees to drink water prior to starting their shift and give reminders throughout the shift to drink water.

4. The Supervisor should hold meetings in the morning to remind workers about the importance of frequent water consumption.

5. Water containers should be placed close to or, where accessible in the immediate work area.

6. The Supervisor should retrain employees during a heat wave or if it is observed that employees are not drinking enough water.

ACCESS TO SHADE

Access to rest and shade are important preventive steps to minimize the risk of heat related illness.

1. Employees shiouldl have access to the office or construction trailer, or other building with air conditioning.

2. Vehicles with air conditioning are also acceptable for the purpose of providing shade.

ACCESS TO A PREVENTATIVE RECOVERY PERIOD

Every morning there should be a short meeting to remind workers about the importance of rest breaks and the location of shade.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO SYMPTOMS OF POSSIBLE HEAT ILLNESS

Each employee should be informed that emergency medical services will be provided hould they become necessary. Procedures for contacting emergency medical services should be posted at the job site. If necessary employees should be transported to a point where they can be reached by an emergency medical service provider. Procedures should be posted at the job site. Clear and precise directions to the work site should be provided as needed to responders. Directions should be posted at the job site.

TRAINING

Training is critical to know how to respond to possible heat related illness and to assist with obtaining emergency assistance without delay. All employees should receive heat illness prevention training prior to working outdoors, particularly newly hired employees.

Supervisors should be trained prior to being assigned to supervise outdoor workers. On hot days, and during a heat wave, supervisors should hold short meetings to review this important information with workers.

For more about heat related illness visit our website or call 409-727-5714 for a safety presentation. Continue to follow us on facebook and twitter. We are "The Clear Choice!" B&B Ice & Water