With rising temperatures, workers must take care to protect themselves against dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Federal law requires employers to protect workers against heat hazards.
To protect employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued a new OSHA Hazard Alert. This free PDF lays out employer responsibilities, worker rights and OSHA’s current heat enforcement efforts.
For example, employers are required to do the following:
- Provide water, rest and shade.
- Allow new or returning workers to adjust to the heat.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
- Monitor workers for signs of illness.
For more information and resources to keep workers safe, visit OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention webpage. Lineworkers, you can also download the PDF for your next safety meeting by clicking here.
