Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • September 2017 | Page 8

Making it a Priority Employee Safety in the Hot, Humid Weather Can you answer the following True or False statements regarding protecting your employees in the heat? While elements of OSHA materials are not specifically mandatory, each employer is expected under the General Duty Clause to provide a safe workplace to all workers. Take the quiz below to see what you know about worker safety in the heat. 1. As long as each worker knows to drink plenty of water, they really don’t need to worry about heat exposure. 2. All I need to tell my workers 8 DITCHMEN • SEPTEMBER 2017 is that they should drink plenty or water and rest if they are feeling dizzy or sick to their stomachs. 3. It is important for workers to know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 4. It’s best to drink small amounts of water at more frequent intervals rather than larger amounts less often. 5. If I don’t feel thirsty while working in heat, that means I’m OK and don’t need to hydrate or take a break. 6. Employees should know what specific protocol to follow if a worker or coworker experiences heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 7. The following are signs of heat stroke: cramps, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting. 8. If someone is having a heat stroke, call 911 immediately. 9. If a worker is experiencing heat exhaustion, it’s OK to provide cool water, rest and shade until he or she is ready to get back to work.