{"id":13186,"date":"2022-07-01T14:56:24","date_gmt":"2022-07-01T14:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/?post_type=articles&p=13186"},"modified":"2022-07-13T14:56:37","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T14:56:37","slug":"legally-speaking-new-enforcement-initiative-is-here-osha-hot-over-heat-stress","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/legally-speaking-new-enforcement-initiative-is-here-osha-hot-over-heat-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"LEGALLY SPEAKING: New Enforcement Initiative Is Here\u2014OSHA “Hot” Over Heat Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"

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With summer here, heat stress issues can rear their ugly head\u2014not only on outdoor work sites but also in production facilities. Do not be caught ill prepared for an incident and a subsequent visit by OSHA\u2014establish your heat stress program today.<\/p>\n

OSHA is implementing a new enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards and is developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections. OSHA Area Directors have been instructed to prioritize inspections of heat-related complaints and expand the scope of investigations to look for heat hazards. This summer will be OSHA\u2019s first season to carry out its initiative. Simply telling your employees that it is a hot day and they should take breaks when they need to and drink as much water as necessary will not meet OSHA\u2019s expectations and could very easily result in a citation.<\/p>\n

The risk of heat stress depends upon many factors related to the individual employee, and this makes the challenge of creating a safe workplace for all even more challenging. Individual risk factors include the employee\u2019s physical condition, the temperature and humidity, the clothing worn, the pace of work and how strenuous it may be, exposure to sun, and environmental conditions such as air movement.<\/p>\n

OSHA expects more from employers than merely offering water, rest, and shade; additional steps to address heat in the workplace must be taken. OSHA also insists that employers: (1) implement an \u201cacclimatization program\u201d for new employees and those returning from extended time away, such as vacations or leaves of absence; (2)\u00a0implement a work\/rest schedule; and (3) even provide a climate-controlled area for cool down. For those employers utilizing temporary employees, there is a greater risk of heat-related illness, and OSHA would urge greater care in adopting an acclimatization program for them.<\/p>\n

Your heat stress program can have many components, including the following.<\/p>\n

TRAINING<\/h2>\n