Stay Safe While Working in Hot Conditions: Tips to Improve Safety

Introduction:

The recent record-breaking heat dome that settled across the Pacific Northwest has highlighted the urgent need for heat safety regulations in the U.S. Currently, only five states have specific safety standards to protect workers from extreme heat, leaving millions of workers at risk. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) is calling for action from the U.S. Congress to create nationwide regulations. These regulations should include measures such as rest, water, and shade for workers, as well as training and enforcement. Extreme heat disproportionately affects workers of color and immigrants, making it a racial and social justice issue. The burden of workplace health risks related to climate change should not fall on the most vulnerable workers. It is crucial for federal regulators to learn from states that have already adopted heat safety standards and implement similar measures nationwide. Workers have the right to demand better working conditions and can file complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if their employers fail to prioritize their safety. It is time for employers and the government to take decisive action to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat.

Full Article: Stay Safe While Working in Hot Conditions: Tips to Improve Safety

Tragic Death Highlights the Urgent Need for Heat Safety Standards

It was a scorching Saturday morning in June 2021 when Sebastian Francisco Perez arrived for work at Ernst Farm and Nursery, just south of Portland, Ore. Perez, an immigrant from Guatemala, had recently started working on the installation of irrigation pipes for trees used in landscaping. Little did he know that this would be his last day on the job.

As temperatures climbed to a staggering 107 degrees that day, the extreme heat took its toll. Around 3 p.m., Perez’s co-workers discovered him collapsed and struggling to breathe. Sadly, he succumbed to hyperthermia and dehydration, becoming one of several workers in Oregon who lost their lives during the record-breaking heat dome that settled over the Pacific Northwest.

This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Across the country, thousands of workers fall victim to the perils of extreme heat. According to estimates, up to 2,000 workers die annually due to heat-related incidents, with an additional 170,000 suffering from heat-related injuries and illnesses.

A Lack of Safety Standards

Despite the increasing frequency of heatwaves and the dangers they pose, only five states have implemented specific safety standards to protect workers from heat exposure. Shockingly, there is still no federal standard in place to safeguard workers. It is crucial for the government to prioritize the health and well-being of workers, while employers must also take responsibility for reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

In response to this urgent issue, President Biden announced plans for heightened enforcement of heat safety violations and increased inspections in high-risk industries. However, these measures are deemed insufficient. What is truly needed are consistent and comprehensive nationwide regulations, including guidelines for abatement, enforcement, and training. Notably, providing workers with access to rest, water, and shade has proven effective in minimizing the risks of heat stroke.

Calling for Congressional Action

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), in collaboration with workers, unions, and safety advocates, is spearheading a call for swift action from the U.S. Congress. They are pushing for the enactment of a new law that would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an interim heat stress standard within one year. Once implemented, OSHA will undertake the lengthier process of drafting a permanent standard. It is worth noting that a federal heat standard was first proposed back in 1972, during the Nixon administration, emphasizing the long-overdue necessity for these protections.

The Devastating Impact of Extreme Heat

Climate change not only leads to higher temperatures but also increases humidity, exacerbating the adverse effects of extreme heat. The body’s natural cooling mechanism through sweat evaporation is disrupted, and rising nighttime temperatures impede recovery from daytime exposure. Symptoms of heat stress can strike suddenly, leaving individuals already severely ill—or dead—before the warning signs become noticeable. Additionally, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in long-term health issues such as chronic heart and kidney disease.

Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Workers

The burden of workplace health risks related to climate change falls disproportionately on workers of color and immigrants. Many of the most affected workers are non-U.S. citizens employed in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and warehousing. They often find themselves in situations similar to Perez’s. During the investigation into Perez’s death, an official from Ernst Farms even shifted blame onto the employee, suggesting he should be accountable for his own well-being. However, it is inherently unsafe for workers to monitor their own health, and no one should have to work alone in extreme heat conditions.

Building on Existing Measures

While federal regulators formulate both an interim and permanent heat standard, they can draw inspiration from states that have already adopted such regulations. For instance, in Oregon, the state swiftly implemented a temporary emergency heat safety standard following Perez’s demise, with ongoing efforts to establish a permanent rule. Safe Jobs Oregon, an affiliate of the National COSH, played a pivotal role in coordinating a broad coalition comprising labor, environmental, and community groups to ensure the inclusivity of workers from diverse backgrounds. The coalition facilitated Spanish-language listening sessions, established a telephone hotline for workers to leave comments in any language, and sought expert testimony from public health and workplace safety researchers.

The resulting standard is the most comprehensive nationwide, safeguarding both indoor and outdoor workers and incorporating safety requirements based on combined heat and humidity thresholds. Employers are obligated to provide shade, water, scheduled breaks, worker and supervisor training, and an acclimatization plan to help workers gradually adapt to working in high temperatures. According to federal OSHA data, 50 to 70 percent of outdoor fatalities occur within the initial days of exposure to warm or hot environments, highlighting the importance of building heat tolerance over time.

Progress in Other Jurisdictions

Efforts to improve heat safety extend beyond Oregon. In Miami-Dade County, a proposed municipal ordinance aims to compel employers to provide rest, water, and shade, along with worker training and information on workers’ rights in multiple languages. This ordinance, which would impact around 80,000 construction and agricultural workers, has already passed its initial reading before the county commission, pending finalization.

Workers’ Rights and Driving Change

Regardless of their immigration status, workers laboring in the heat have inherent rights. They can join together to advocate for better working conditions, whether or not they are covered by a union contract. In cases where employers fail to take action, workers facing job hazards can file complaints with OSHA.

Unfortunately, workers often face obstacles and resistance when driving change. The decline in union representation in the U.S., largely due to employers resisting workplace democracy, has made it more challenging for workers to make their voices heard. Concerns about illegal retaliation are prevalent, particularly when immigration status can be exploited.

Additionally, opponents of safety measures often exaggerate their impact, citing higher costs for employers. However, improved working conditions translate into fewer injuries and illnesses, resulting in reduced expenses for workers’ compensation, healthcare, and lost work time. After implementing heat standards in 2005, California experienced a 30 percent decrease in worker injuries.

Moreover, the legislative process itself can be a source of opposition. Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a bill intended to override local laws in Austin and Dallas that provided enhanced protections for workers in hot conditions. Recently, a judge ruled that this bill, dubbed the “Death Star” bill, violates the Texas constitution. An appeal is expected to follow.

Ultimately, workers possess the right to demand action from both employers and the government in response to the imminent dangers posed by extreme heat. Scientific evidence highlights how the human body reacts to such conditions and underscores the efficacy of science-based safety standards in minimizing risks and saving lives.

This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

Summary: Stay Safe While Working in Hot Conditions: Tips to Improve Safety

Workers are dying from extreme heat, but there are insufficient safety standards in place to protect them. As temperatures rise due to climate change, the risk to workers increases. Currently, only five states have specific heat safety standards. Urgent action is needed at the federal level to implement consistent regulations and protections. A proposed law would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to create an interim heat stress standard within one year. Employers must also take measures to reduce the risk, such as providing rest, water, and shade. Workers, unions, and safety advocates are calling for rapid action by Congress to address this issue. The burden of workplace health risks related to heat falls disproportionately on workers of color and immigrants. Workers have the right to demand better working conditions and can file a complaint with OSHA if necessary. Despite challenges and resistance, implementing safety measures can ultimately reduce injuries, save lives, and lower overall costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is working in extreme heat dangerous?

Working in extreme heat can lead to various health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. It puts tremendous strain on the body and can even be life-threatening if not managed properly.

2. How can we make working in extreme heat safer?

To make working in extreme heat safer, employers should implement the following measures:

• Providing frequent breaks and access to shaded or cool areas
• Encouraging workers to stay hydrated by providing an adequate supply of water
• Using personal protective equipment, such as cooling vests, to minimize heat exposure
• Educating workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them
• Monitoring weather conditions and adjusting work schedules accordingly

3. What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and cool, moist skin. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it’s important to immediately move to a cooler area and rehydrate.

4. What is heatstroke and how is it different from heat exhaustion?

Heatstroke is a severe form of heat illness that occurs when the body’s internal temperature reaches a dangerous level. Unlike heat exhaustion, heatstroke involves a complete breakdown of the body’s cooling system and can lead to organ damage or even death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, high body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C), hot and dry skin, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness.

5. Are there any specific industries or occupations more at risk from working in extreme heat?

Industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing often involve working in outdoor environments or settings with limited ventilation, making them more susceptible to extreme heat. However, it’s important to prioritize heat safety measures in any work environment where high temperatures are present.

6. How can workers protect themselves when working in extreme heat?

Workers can protect themselves by:

• Wearing lightweight and breathable clothing
• Using sunscreen with a high SPF
• Taking regular breaks in shaded or cool areas
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Following any additional safety guidelines and procedures provided by their employer

7. What are some long-term health effects of working in extreme heat?

Long-term exposure to extreme heat can lead to chronic conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, kidney problems, cardiovascular issues, and even heat-related mortality. It’s crucial to address heat safety to prevent long-term health implications for workers.