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Agency urges occupational safety as the temperature rises

05.08.2012

With the warm months of summer just around the corner, experts are warning employers to help their outdoor workers take precautions to avoid heat-related health problems. Pulse Occupational Medicine may be able to show employers some of the things they can do to prevent complications.

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Health and Safety Administration recently launched a campaign to alert employers to heat-related risks. Officials from the agency said that educating workers about the dangers of heat stroke is the first step businesses should take. Managers should also make sure that employees take precautions to help workers avoid the risks associated with working in warm temperatures.

"It is essential for workers and employers to take proactive steps to stay safe in extreme heat, and become aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion before they get worse," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "Drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas are incredibly important."

He pointed out that the agency's website has plenty of information and resources available for business owners who want to learn more about protecting the health of their outdoor workforce this summer. Thousands of workers die each summer due to heat stroke, so businesses have a strong incentive to make sure that employees are healthy.

Employers who have a particularly large staff of outdoor workers may benefit from developing a set of occupational medicine goals to guide their efforts. Consulting with medical professionals may also help businesses understand the best ways to go about supporting their workers' health. This may limit the number of individuals who are affected by heat exhaustion this summer.

Categories: Workplace Safety