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

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 employee(s) in that employee(s) were exposed to the hazard of excessive heat: a) 234 Somerville Road, Bedminster Township, NJ - On or about and at times prior to 8/26/2021, employees were exposed to the recognized hazard of high ambient heat from the direct sun during the installation of 2-ply roof over the existing roof of Bedminster Public School, including application and spreading of cold adhesive. On 8/26/2021 the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration recorded a temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit, 54% humidity and a Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 88 degrees Fahrenheit at 11:53 am. The heat index for this time period was 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, 62% humidity and a WBGT of 91 degrees Fahrenheit was determined for 12:53pm. The heat index for this time period was 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Both heat indexes are classified by the National Weather Service as Extreme Caution. The employees spent approximately 8 hours spreading adhesive on hands & knees, carrying and applying membrane sheets to roof in direct sunlight and excessive heat. Such exposures are likely to lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The crew took an hour lunch off the roof at noon and a 15-minute break around 3:15pm on the roof. An employee exhibited symptoms consistent with heat illness including signs of confusion and fatigue. He descended from the roof to rest. A few minutes later he was found unresponsive on the ground and was taken immediately taken to the hospital, where he died that day.