labor lawAdivision of labor law center

With temperatures soaring in Washington and throughout the nation in the past few weeks, the Washington Department of Labor & Industry has issued a worker safety warning for employers.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries in Tumwater wants employers to be aware of precautions that workers must take to avoid heat stress, heat stroke and heat-related illness.

Tragically, heat-related illnesses in the workplace can result in disability and even death.

Employees should take these precautions when working outdoors, especially in hot, sunny conditions: 

• Drink as much as one cup of water every 15 minutes
•  Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness
•  Pace your work and take breaks.
•  Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
•  Avoid alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals  

The same precautions apply when employees work indoors without air conditioning, especially in industries involving heat such as factories and restaurant kitchens.

Heat-related illness can cause serious medical conditions, including disability and death.

The L&I emphasizes that Washington employers are required to provide safe working conditions for employees, including protection from heat-related illness.

Supervisors and workers should be trained to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and to respond. During especially hot weather, employees may need to take rest breaks as frequently as every hour. If possible, breaks should be taken in an air-conditioned location such as a building or vehicle.

Workers suffering from heat stress may be disoriented and unable to summon help. For that reason, employees should never work alone in hot weather. Employers should use the buddy system, with employees charged with the responsibility of watching out for each other. Employees should also be trained in responding to heat stress and heat stroke, including giving the worker extra liquids, cooling them off in an air-conditioned location, and summoning professional help. 

More information and resources regarding  outdoor heat exposure are available.

Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, many parts of the country are already experiencing hot weather. That’s why OSHA urges employers to take steps to prevent heat stress and heat stroke.

OSHA warns that the combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer for workers. Employees in a wide variety of industries work outdoors or in un-air-conditioned facilities and factories.  These types of jobs include workers at resorts and beaches, those in the construction industry, landscaping crews, road crews, workers in bakeries, kitchens and laundries, and agricultural employees, among others.

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