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 to employees 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 heat stress: (a)On or about 05/12/00, employees harvesting oranges at the Ferguson House Farm were exposed to hazardous weather-related heat stress conditions. The weather that day was sunny with high temperatures in the low 90's and relative humidity of 60-65%. Exposure to excessively hot conditions can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and/or death. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are: (1)Provide heat stress training to insure that the work force understands the effects of heat stress, can recognize the symptoms of heat stress, and take appropriate steps to protect them selves; (2)Insuring that employees drink plenty of cool water (one small cup every 15-20 minutes); (3)Have employees wear light, loose-fitting, breathable (like cotton) clothing; (4)Allow employees to take frequent short breaks in cool shaded areas; and (5)Advising employees to avoid eating large meals before working on hot days and to avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages before and during work. PLEASE NOTE: CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS VIOLATION.