Heat Prevention
Excessive heat warnings have been issued in Utah during the summer months and this poses a real danger to individuals who must work in these conditions.
Keeping employees safe and aware of signs and symptoms of heat illness should be top priority at this time. Improvements can be made in many areas by using posters and other displays. Visuals stating the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be reviewed daily by workers with the information being easily accessible and to the point.
The safety of our members is a priority concern with AGC of Utah. Your AGC of Utah Safety Committee has a Hot Weather Illness Prevention Campaign to assist our members in watching out for signs of heat related illness and how to prevent it.
AGC of Utah Members may request FREE Hot Weather Illness Prevention Posters and Stickers:
- 11”x17” posters to display in offices and job sites
- 4”x6” stickers to display in restrooms and portable toilets
Creating a safer culture through education, example, and a buddy system where crews know what to watch for in themselves and those around them can help everyone go home healthy at the end of the day. Not only will these additional steps lead to safer conditions, but productivity will increase.
ONE HEAT RELATED DEATH IN OUR INDUSTRY IS ONE TOO MANY!
Resources
Criteria for Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments CDC
NIOSH publication about heat exposure and heat prevention standard. Note some interesting pages to view in this document:
- Acclimatization, page 34.
- Drugs implicated in intolerance to heat, page 39.
- Classification, medical aspects, and first aid of heat-related illness, pages 48-51.
- Causes of abnormal colors of urine, page 155.
- Rest work schedules for workers wearing normal work clothing, page 76.
- Examples of physiological monitoring used to prevent heat-related illness, pages 120-123
OSHA Prevent Heat Illness At Work
An excellent addition to the AGC Heat Prevention materials. It states the importance of acclimatization, which is the key to most serious heat illnesses and fatalities. Nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities happen during the first week of work for new or returning workers. It takes 7-14 days to acclimatize.
Heat APP from NIOSH
This app is helpful as a screening tool.