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

North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina: The employer did not furnish each of his employees conditions of employment and a place of employment 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 related hazards associated with working in a hot environment: a)jobsite (Amberly subdivision, Cary, NC) - where the employer did not develop a heat stress prevention program for employees who were exposed to a heat index of 106 and a temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, to help them recognize and avoid heat-related illnesses and hazards associated with working in a hot environment. One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct this hazard is to develop a heat stress prevention program to include elements such as the following: 1)Responsibilities of the employer and employees regarding working in hot, humid environments; 2)Environmental factors and personal health factors that contribute to heat-related illnesses; 3)Guidelines for implementing a heat acclimatization process; 4)Daily water/ fluid requirements and management of the water/fluid allocation process; 5)Training on the recognition of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses; 6)Reporting process when employees with heat-related illness symptoms are observed; 7)Establishment of first-aid procedures; 8)Establishment of emergency response procedures; 9)Training for supervisor and employees on the requirements established in the heat stress prevention program.