Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness

June 21st marked the first official day of summer. Along with shorter days, this time of year is also characterized by hot temperatures. In fact, certain areas of California have already experienced 110-degree weather -- and it's only the beginning of summer.

In an effort to protect workers from heat-related illness, Cal/OSHA -- California's branch of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- has issued a warning to employers. As the mercury rises, workers become increasingly susceptible to fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other related illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 7,000 Americans died from heat-related illness between the years 1999 and 2009, attesting to the severity of this problem.

According to Cal/OSHA, worker safety laws in California require employers to train all workers on the warning signs of heat illness. Unfortunately, though, this requirement is often overlooked. It's not until a worker succumbs to heat-related illness when the employer acknowledges the importance of training their workforce.

In addition to training employees on the warning signs of heat illness, employers in California must also provide shade in temperatures that exceed 80 degrees; give workers breaks to cool down; and create a plan for responding to emergency medical situations. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in hefty fines or other penalties handed down by Cal/OSHA.

Of course, Cal/OSHA has its own dedicated Heat Illness Prevention program, which is designed to emphasize the importance of heat safety.

"Outdoor workers should have enough fresh, pure and suitably cool water so that they can drink at least one quart per hour during the workday, and should not wait until they are thirsty to hydrate," explained Juliann Sum of Cal/OSHA. "This is particularly important during extended periods of triple-digit heat. Employers should remind workers of the importance of staying hydrated and ensure they have easy access to drinking water at the worksite."

As an employer, there are several steps you can take to protect workers from heat-related illness, including the following:

• Encourage workers to wear loose, light-fitted clothing when appropriate for their respective job.
• Provide workers with water.
• Use a buddy system where two workers monitor each other for signs of heat-related illness.
• Require workers to take regular breaks.
• Limit work during the peak sun hours.
• Create a heat illness prevention program .
• Create a shaded area where workers can cool down.