Photo: AccuWeather
State College, PA — Outdoor workers, be advised: AccuWeather experts predict summertime temperatures will be “above the historical average” throughout much of the country.
The weather forecast service expects heat to be especially treacherous in the Northern Rockies and throughout virtually all of the Plains, where temperatures may persist at three degrees or more above historical averages and commonly approach record levels.
Additionally, warmth could stick around at night, particularly near large metropolitan areas.
“Less relief from the heat at night can contribute to more heat stress and health issues,” Brett Anderson, senior meteorologist and climate expert at AccuWeather, said in a press release. “More people die from extreme heat than from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and cold weather combined.”
OSHA and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training say employers should:
- Tailor heat-related illness prevention plans to the jobsite’s specific circumstances.
- Educate workers on the differences between the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and how to treat them.
- Ensure workers are properly hydrated. That means drinking 8 ounces of water three to four times an hour. For work lasting longer than two hours, provide sports drinks or other beverages with electrolytes.
- Provide workers with shaded areas where they can rest.
OSHA has proposed a rule aimed at protecting indoor and outdoor workers from excessive heat. A virtual public hearing on the proposal is slated for June 16.
McCraren Compliance offers a full range of safety and health training and consulting services. Plus we can help you incorporate well-being into your traditional systems in order to support the Total Worker Health of your workforce.
Call 888-758-4757, email info@mccrarencompliance.com or visit our website www.mccrarencompliance.com
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication