HEAT STRESS
PROTECTING OUTSIDE
WORKERS FROM THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS
With the summer months almost upon us I want to take this
opportunity to remind Divisions with outside workers to take the necessary
steps to protect them from the adverse effects of heat as required by Safety Manual.
Supervisors, foremen and site management have
responsibilities to ensure that the following are implemented:
·
Scheduling the most strenuous work during the
coolest times of the day (e.g., early morning and evening/night)
·
Minimizing work time in direct sunlight as much
as possible
·
Minimizing high-intensity manual work activities
(e.g., use mechanical/powered equipment to replace manual labor), as practical
·
Not allowing employees to work alone- work in
pairs as a minimum
·
Rotating workers in and out of hot areas, where
practical
and providing designated shaded and cool areas for periodic “cool down” breaks
and recovery from minor heat-related illness. Where possible, these areas should
be air conditioned
·
Scheduling work/rest rotations for workers
according to the current heat index, which is based on temperature and relative
humidity?
·
Communicating locations of designated
break/recovery areas, emergency reporting procedures and nearest medical facilities to workers.
·
Do not let schedule or productivity demands
supersede heat stress awareness or controls used to prevent heat-related
illness
·
Conduct periodic (e.g., weekly) safety
meetings/talks during hot weather emphasizing heat stress hazards and precautions,
with added emphasis on this risk during Ramadan if it occurs in summertime
·
Display educational information related to
heat stress conditions, illness/symptoms and preventive measures on bulletin
boards and break/recovery areas, etc.
·
In addition, distribute heat stress
information at safety meetings/talks, etc., in a form suitable for workers
(e.g. laminated pocket cards)
·
Schedule heat stress training and monitor new
workers and workers returning from vacation to ensure they acclimatize at a
progressive, controlled rate to the change in environmental condition
·
Provide drinking water stations (e.g., coolers
with chilled or ice water) for workers and remind them to drink plenty of water
even if not thirsty
·
Replenish drinking water supplies as needed to
ensure availability and provide more frequent collection of sanitary wastewater
from portable toilet
·
Provide personal water bottles or insulated
containers (2 liter capacity) to workers as needed (e.g., during high heat
stress danger categories)
·
Monitor the heat-related health condition of
employees, as well as the effectiveness of any engineering/administrative
controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) being used
·
Be able to recognize early signs and symptoms
of heat-related illness and take appropriate action to prevent serious heat
illness
·
Respond appropriately to any heat-related
illness
Be knowledgeable of
emergency reporting and response procedures, including the location of the
nearest medical facility with a qualified medical doctor who can provide proper
treatment for a victim of severe heat exhaustion
or heat stroke.
REFERENCE
Update:20-Jan-2016
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