The physical demands of outdoor work and extreme heat is a dangerous combination. Landscape, tree service, construction, and other outdoor workers spend hours under the hot sun, making them more vulnerable to heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration, and other serious health problems. This is not only bad for their health, but bad for your business too.
Heat stress and related illnesses have been one of the many occupational hazards OSHA aims to prevent. In May 2015, for example, the State of California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) changed employer requirements to better protect agricultural and other outdoor workers from illnesses related to heat exposure. This includes stricter regulations.
To avoid violating OSHA regulations and control hazards, enforcing safety procedures is your best bet. Below we list some tips for protecting your workers from these heat-related health problems.
Safety Tips for Working in Hot Temperatures
- Dress cool. Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and a hat.
- Stay hydrated. Thirsty or not, drink water every 15 – 20 minutes.
- Take breaks. Rest in the shade when possible. Eat during lunch or other breaks to re-fuel.
- Watch your workers’ backs. Keep an eye out for signs of exhaustion and other heat illnesses.
- Have a response plan. Know which steps to take if a worker shows symptoms of heat illness.
Each employee should be trained in safety procedures, including recognizing and controlling hazards, and steps to take in an emergency. By creating a safe working environment, your workers are better protected from harm and the risk of a costly claim is significantly reduced. If a health problem does occur even after following safety procedures, an insurance plan with workers’ comp will cover medical costs, foregone wages, and other related costs to take the heat off of your business financially.
NIP Group’s insurance programs include comprehensive workers’ comp to back you up financially so your employees can focus on restoring their health and you can continue growing your business. Click the links below for more information or contact your broker.
For landscape and lawn care professionals
For arborists and tree service professionals
For greenhouse and plant grower professionals
Resources
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/documents/Heat-Illness-Prevention-Regulation-Amendments.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2013-143/pdfs/2013-143.pdf