Focus on Heat Illness Prevention
Last summer, a record heat wave scorched the nation from California to Florida, pushing some hospitals to pandemic-level capacities and prompting urgent government warnings to avoid prolonged heat exposure. As the mercury rises, so do the health risks: over 265 U.S. workers died from heat-related causes between 2010 and 2020, and the number of heat-related illnesses continues to climb. With the relentless increase in summer temperatures, heat illness prevention has become a critical focus for safeguarding workers' health.
This report examines why prevention is important and looks at current federal and state regulations. We also provide links to sources that can help your employees and your business stay protected.
Why is heat illness prevention so important?
Consider that heat illness prevention directly impacts the health, safety, and productivity of your workforce. By implementing effective heat illness prevention measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of these health issues, thereby protecting your workers and fostering a safer work environment. This not only ensures the well-being of your employees but also enhances productivity and reduces operational costs, making it a win-win situation for your business.
However, neglecting heat illness prevention can have substantial financial and legal repercussions. Workers affected by heat illness may experience reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates, leading to increased operational costs. Furthermore, employers who fail to take appropriate measures may face penalties and lawsuits. This underscores the importance of
proactive heat illness prevention, not just for compliance but also for your business's overall health and stability.
Federal and State OSHA: Who’s Calling the shots?
In the United States, when a state has its own occupational safety and health program, it can develop and enforce its own workplace safety regulations, including those related to heat illness prevention. These state plans must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards but can also be more stringent. State OSHA
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programs with approved plans supersede federal OSHA regulations for covered risks like heat illness, meaning employers in these states must adhere to state-specific standards. This often results in a higher level of protection for workers in those states. For multi-state businesses, this fragmented approach can result in extra complexity regarding compliance. Understanding this regulatory landscape is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your employees.
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