OSHA’s new heat safety directive and key points for cities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) in April to reduce heat-related hazards and resulting injuries and illness caused by excessive heat in the workplace. This article will provide you with the basic information you’ll need to know and give you quick access to additional information. 

Many of you are probably already following this directive — much of it is common sense. But it’s a good reminder of how to prevent heat-related injuries and illness. Remember, heat stress can happen indoors too. 

Let’s look at the key points of the NEP.

At a glance:

• The NEP is a nationwide initiative modeled on existing Regional Emphasis Programs (REP) in southern states.
• It applies to indoor and outdoor workers where the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• There will be unannounced on-site visits by compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) who will “observe workers performing strenuous work in heat.”
• Visits may occur based on heat-related complaints, referrals, and reported heat illness. 

Employers should:

• Create a written plan to prevent heat-related illness.
• Provide awareness training to employees.
• Provide specific steps to prevent, identify, and treat heat-related illnesses.
• Identify and control heat hazards.
• Monitor workforce health and consider the current heat index and expected weather-related changes.
• Provide water, rest, and shade. For workers with two-hour or greater exposure times, fluids containing electrolytes must also be accessible.
• Recognize early symptoms of heat stress.
• Administer first aid for heat-related illnesses.
• Activate emergency medical services quickly when needed. WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911.

Who is affected by heat exposure:

• Park and recreation employees
• Golf course employees
• Maintenance and public utility employees
• Police
• Firefighters                                        
• Roof maintenance workers (especially hot tar)
• Employees working indoors around heat-producing equipment in kitchens,
  boiler rooms, or welding
• Any employee wearing non-breathable or heavy PPE hazmat, turnout gear, etc.

A handy heat reference

Let’s summarize by saying again, most of you are already doing this: Plan your work in accordance with the weather, allow for more frequent and longer breaks in the air-conditioned truck or at least in the shade, drink extra water or a sports drink, keep an eye on each other, and if you or someone else is showing symptoms of heat stress, get help! And if in doubt, call 911.

Last thing to remember, heat-related safety is in the palm of your hand. Literally. Yep, there’s an app for that. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool includes everything you need including current local weather, a heat index calculator, diagnosis information, and treatment steps for heat illness. Go to https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app or the app store of your iPhone or Android and download the “OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool.”

Resources for training and more

Overview of the standard, impact, rationale, and more (OSHA) 
Overview of prevention of heat-related illness (OSHA) 
Overview of treatment and first aid (OSHA)  
Additional resources and technical information (OSHA)
Guide for employers (OSHA) 
Upcoming public meeting info (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
Remembering Tim: A life lost to heat illness at work

Training videos (free from LMCIT via CoastalFlix):
Safety Matters: Heat Stress 
TAKE TWO...for Safety A new T.A.K.E: heat stress
Pause for Performance: Heat Stress Safety 
Heat Stress: Code Red 

Be cool. Work safe.

Submitted by:  Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant  

Public Works Week

It's Public Works Week, and that means around the state, cities and residents are celebrating all of the things you do to keep our cities functioning. We at the League of Minnesota Cities would like to once again than you for taking care of our streets, sidewalks, water, wastewater, and parks. Thank you for keeping our cities running smoothly day in and day out. We appreciate you!

Golf Course Readiness: Seasonal Labor

Is your seasonal golf course ready for business? How about your staff?

Some of your employees will return from last year, but some may be new hires. According to the federal Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all employees have a right to a safe work environment. These same employees deserve to be, and are required to be, trained in the hazards associated with their job. This includes full-time, year-round employees, as well as part-time and seasonal workers. 

MNOSHA mandates training for employees in all types of work. This could be basic safety awareness training such as Employee Right-to-Know (ERTK), A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program, or more job-specific training such as certified equipment operator training.

If your employees are handling your chemical application of herbicides, pesticides, and/or fertilizers, these folks may require additional specialized training including respiratory protection fit tests. Don’t forget to verify that your applicators have active application licensure (active and up to date). 

Often overlooked are your cooking and service staff. Best practices and certain city or county laws may require proper food handler/food safety training. In addition, employees engaged in alcohol service should be trained in alcohol server awareness.

Your membership in the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust provides you with resources to meet these training requirements. Whether you need assistance with bloodborne pathogens or chainsaw safety, building and walkway safety audits, or safety team materials such as toolbox talks, we can help.

Here are a few links and resources that may be helpful for your golf course staff training and licensing needs:

• Food and Beverage Service Licensing Statutes, Licenses required; Fees
• Food and Beverage Service Licensing Qualifications and Responsibilities
• Department of Health Food Safety Resource Materials (print/posters) 
• ServSafe Training and Certification
• TIPS Alcohol Server Training and Certification
• MN Dept. of Agriculture Golf Course Pesticide Applicator Requirement 
• University of Minnesota Golf Course Superintendent Phosphorus Certification

If you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your League representatives. 

Loss Control assistance General phone: (651) 281-1200 Toll-free: (800) 925-1122

Submit a question to HR & Benefits staff through (please include your name, title, city name, and question) hrbenefits@lmc.org.

 

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant