As summer approaches, now is the time to create safe work practices for outdoor work in the heat.  Cal/OSHA recommends these 4 steps:

• Plan
  • Develop a written plan
• Train
  • Both supervisors and employees
• Water
  • 1 quart per hour for each employee
• Shade
  • Access to shade for breaks

Some workers need to be extra-cautious when working in heat, and may need to drink more water and take more frequent breaks.  Certain health conditions or medications can reduce tolerance to heat:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Blood pressure medications
• Thyroid medication

Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention standard outlines requirements for employers with outdoor workers: http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3395.html

Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention website has helpful resources for both employers and employees: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html