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 the hazard of heat: On our about July 8, 2010, the employer did not protect employees from the recognized hazards of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, while employees set formwork for concrete foundations and one employee died from hyperthermia. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to follow established guidelines for the prevention of heat-related disorders, such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Examples of these feasible and acceptable methods include, but are not limited to: 1.Providing adequate amounts of cool potable water and electrolyte replacements in the work area and requiring employees to drink frequently; 2.A work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high temperatures and the work rate is decreased and/or rest periods are increased in length and frequency; 3.Conduct a training program informing employees about the effects of heat stress, how to report, recognize heat-related illness symptoms and how to prevent heat- induced illnesses; 4.A heat acclimation program for new employees or employees returning to work from extended absences; 5.Providing a cool, climate controlled area where heat-affected employees may take their breaks and/or recover when signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses are recognized; 6.Specific procedures to be followed for heat-related emergency situations; and provisions requiring first aid to be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of heat related illness. ***Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d)***