Extremely hot weather prompts statement from Labor Secretary

Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis issued a warning as a record heat wave swept much of the nation last month.

Water, rest, and shade are the three keys to preventing heat-related illnesses in extreme heat, she said.

Solis said outdoor workers are at risk for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She advised employers to take the following precautions to protect their employees:

Have a work site plan to prevent heat-related illnesses and make sure that medical services are available to respond to an emergency should one occur.
Provide plenty of water at the job site and remind workers to drink small amounts of water frequently -- every 15 minutes.
Schedule rest breaks throughout the work shift and provide shaded or air conditioned rest areas near the work site.
Let new workers get used to the extreme heat, gradually increasing the workload over a week.
When possible, schedule heavy tasks earlier in the day.

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She also suggested telling workers how to spot the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in themselves and their coworkers and know what to do in an emergency.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

August 1, 2011

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