Heat Stress Prevention: Critical Steps to Protect Workers and Avoid Citations

In 2018, OSHA issued citations for heat stress hazards in more than 20 cases, despite lacking a specific regulation covering heat stress. Several of these cases resulted from tragic preventable fatalities, and two cases led to repeat violations, carrying fines of $71,137 and $129,336. Serious violation cases are routinely fined the maximum single-violation penalty for 2019 of $ 13,260.

Keep in mind, too, that applicable state laws could lead to even more violations  and costly penalties.  For example, in California the state’s heat illness prevention standard is the second most frequently cited year after year, with over 1,500 citations and $1.7 million in fines in 2018 alone. The time to plan and develop a heat stress prevention program to protect workers is before summer’s high temperatures take hold.

Don’t wait to find out if your plan to protect workers against heat-related illnesses will work. By the time an illness or fatality occurs, it’s too late. Join us for an all-new webinar on April 9 when a seasoned OSHA attorney will provide guidance on how federal and state safety laws apply to heat stress and an employer’s obligation to take steps to protect workers exposed to hazardous temperatures.

Learning Objectives:

• Prepare a written program that complies with applicable standards and provides a solid foundation for a workplace heat illness training program
• Choose and evaluate work environment controls to prevent heat-related illnesses and provide a safer, more productive work environment
• Identify persona and environmental risk factors for heat stress
• Identify the key elements of a comprehensive heat stress prevention program, including a work/rest regimen, acclimation strategies, pre-job screening, clothing and PPE, employee and supervisor training, employee monitoring, hydration, and first aid and emergency procedures

For more information, click here.