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 heat-related illnesses: On or about September 30, 2011, and at times prior thereto, employees performing concrete work duties at this worksite were subjected to the recognized hazard of excessive heat. Exposure to excessive levels of heat may result in serious heat-induced illnesses which include: transient heat fatigue, heat rash, fainting, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious of these illnesses and can result in death. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish a Heat Stress Management Program which incorporates guidelines from the ACGIH's Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices and/or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) document, "Working in Hot Environments." Such a program may include, but is not limited to: a.acclimatizing employees beginning work in hot environment or those returning from absent periods of three or more days, b.developing a work/rest program, c.providing cool water and encouraging employees to drink five to seven ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes - rather than relying on thirst, d.providing for a cool rest area, e.providing training for employees regarding the health effects associated with heat stress, symptoms of heat induced illnesses and the methods of preventing such illnesses, and f.establish a screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by exposure to heat stress.