The Pipeline: A Minnesota Public Works Connection: 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.”