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HAZARDALERT
Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly to Workers
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! Federal law requires employers 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 covered under the OSH Act has the
right to a safe and healthful workplace.
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TTY 1-877-889-5627 osha.gov/heat
