Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: HEAT

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: At the establishment, employee(s) performing work operations in areas of the "cotton oil mill" such as but not limited to the #1 seed cleaner area were subjected to a potential heat stress environment during work activities. Exposure to excessive heat stress may result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat rash and transient heat fatigue. On July 27, 1993, at approximately 12:00 p.m. midnight, a fatality resulting from a heat-induced illness occurred during the evening shift at the facility in the cotton oil mill. The ambient temperature on July 26, 1993, was approximately 99 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 105 degrees to 111 degrees during the afternoon hours. Environmental factors contributing to heat stress include temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air velocity. There was an overall lack of ventilation, general and local. The employer had not implemented a heat stress program nor voluntarily taken measures to reduce the employees' exposure to the hazards posed by working in hot environments. Among other methods of control, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to establish provisions for a work/rest regimen to reduce employee(s) exposure time to high temperatures. Further abatement methods to eliminate or reduce employees exposure to hazards posed by exposure to excessive heat include methods such as but not limited to the following: Initiate a heat stress program for employees which includes the following: A. A Continuing educational program to inform workers of: 1. Heat stress hazards 2. Predisposing factors and relevant signs and symptoms of heat injury and illness. 3. Potential health effects of excessive heat stress and first aid procedures. 4. Proper precautions for work in heat stress areas. 5. Worker responsibilities for following proper work practices and control procedures to heal protect the health and provide for the safety of themselves and their fellow workers, including instructions to immediately report to the employer the development of signs or symptoms of heat stress overexposure. 6. The effect of therapeutic drugs, overthe counter medications, social drugs (including alcohol) that may increase the risk of heat injury or illness by reducing heat tolerance. 7. The purpose for and descriptions of the environment and medical surveillance programs and of the advantages to the worker participating in these surveillance programs, and 8. If necessary, proper use of protective clothing and equipment. B. Develop a medical approval system to evaluate workers prior to their assignment in hot areas. This should include the following: 1. A comprehensive work and medical history with special emphasis on any medical 2. A comprehensive physical examination that give special attention to the cardiovascular system, skin, liver, kidney and the nervous and respiratory systems. 3. An assessment of the use of therapeutic drugs, over-the counter medications or social drugs (including alcohol) that may increase the risk of heat injury or illness. 4. An assessment of the obesity (body fatness) that is defined as exceeding 25 percent of normal weight for males and 30 percent of normal weight for females, as based on age and body build. 5. An assessment of the workers' ability to wear and use any protective clothing and equipment, especially respirators, that is or may be required to be worn or used. C. Obtain a written opinion from the responsible physician which should include: 1. The results of the medical examination and the tests performed. 2. The physician's opinion as to whether the worker has any detected medical conditions which would increase the risk of material impairment of health from exposure to anticipated heat stress in the work environment. 3. An estimate of the individual's tolerance to withstand hot working conditions. 4. An opinion as to whether the worker can perform the work required by the job. 5. Any recommended limitations upon the worker's exposure to heat stress or upon the use of protective clothing or equipment and 6. A statement that the worker has been informed by the physician of the results of the medical examination and any medical conditions which require further explanation or treatment. D. Provide a copy of the physician's written opinion to the affected worker. E. Medical approval should be re-established periodically, for instance annually. F. The company should have on hand trained personnel and sufficient emergency medical equipment to treat any worker who develops signs and symptoms of heat illness. G. The employer should assure that all employees have adequate amounts of cool potable water near the work area and encourage all workers to drink water (5 to 7 oz.) every 15 to 20 minutes. H. A heat alert program should be developed and implemented to notify employees whenever a heat wave is likely to occur the following day or days. (When the daily maximum temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 9 degrees Fahrenheit greater than the previous day.) I. Initiate a heat acclimatization program to increase heat tolerance by new workers and workers returning to a job after more than one week away. J. Inasmuch as possible, redesign jobs to reduce the metabolic load. K. Inasmuch as possible, increase the ratio of rest to work as the WEGT index increases. L. Provide cool areas for employees to rest and cool down. M. Implement Engineering Controls including general ventilation and spot cooling by local exhaust ventilation at paints of high heat production. N. Implement Administrative Controls upon verification of their effectiveness in achieving compliance.