Protection Plans How to implement a protocol in accordance with OSHA standards By Korey Conry, Field Safety Supervisor, Mountain F Enterprises
To maintain the well-being of employees during high heat conditions, companies are required to implement heat illness protection plans. These plans not only ensure compliance with federal standards laid out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) but also obey additional rigorous guidelines set by other states. With temperatures on the rise this time of year, the importance of these protocols cannot be overstated. Understanding the Risks Arborists, construction workers, agricultural laborers, and other outdoor maintenance crews are particularly vulnerable to heat-related ill- nesses due to prolonged exposure to high tem- peratures. Factors such as high humidity, direct sunlight, and demanding physical activity can worsen these risks even further. OSHA Regulations OSHA has recognized standards to protect workers from heat-related hazards. These guidelines point out the importance of employ- ers providing access to water, rest breaks, and a shaded area. Also, employers must use an acclimation system for workers in hot or new environments to grad- ually build up and train them to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. According to OSHA, employers must develop a Heat Illness Prevention Plan modified to their specific worksite conditions. This plan should in- clude procedures for monitoring workers’ condi- tions, responding to signs of distress promptly, and ensuring emergency medical services are immediately available, if needed. Regular training sessions are important to edu- cate workers on preventive measures and emer- gency protocols or to have an emergency action plan in place. State Requirements Some states have additional standards to pro- tect workers. For example, the California Division
of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is one of the strictest state regulatory bodies re- garding heat illness prevention. The organization imposes additional obligations on employers in the state, going beyond the fed- eral requirements and mandating specific mea- sures to protect workers from heat-related risks. Under Cal/OSHA regulations, employers must provide cool drinking water to workers at no cost and always have access to shade whenever tem- peratures exceed a certain threshold. The shade must be enough to accommodate all employees on meal breaks or breaks in between meals. Also, employers are required to implement high- heat procedures, which include closely moni- toring employees for signs of heat illness and implementing additional preventive measures when temperatures soar. Implementation Challenges Despite the clear regulatory framework estab- lished by OSHA and Cal/OSHA, implementing effective heat illness prevention plans can be very difficult for employers. In industries where outdoor work is unavoidable, such as tree work, ensuring accordance with heat safety regulations while maintaining pro- ductivity can be a hard balance. One of the main challenges is changing work- place culture and attitudes toward heat safety. In a lot of cases, workers and climbers may resist taking adequate breaks or wearing protective gear, fearing it could slow down their production numbers or that the crew could be perceived as not being tough enough. Employers must keep education and training to overcome these stereotypes and adopt a culture of prioritizing the long-term employment with the company. Best Practices Several best practices can help employers mitigate the risks associated with heat-related illnesses while complying with OSHA and Cal/
Make sure you are drinking liquids with added electrolytes, like a sports drink.
such as moving to a cooler location, getting out of the sunlight, or seeking medical treatment. If you’re experienc- ing heat cramps and heat exhaustion while you’re working, you need to move to a cool place to rest. Keep your body cool by removing ex- cess clothing and placing damp, cool cloths on the neck and head, and make sure you are drinking liquids with add- ed electrolytes, like a sports drink. If your body is cramping, try to stretch out those areas to relieve the cramps. For more serious symptoms, head to a hospital to test your temperature and check for organ dysfunctions while also doing a complete blood count and other medical tests. You should seek medical attention within 30 minutes of experi- encing mild to severe symptoms. In the hospital, doctors will likely give you flu- ids intravenously and other medication to combat the symptoms. Typically, the treatment for heat cramps, heat rash, and heat exhaustion happens quite rapidly aer arriving at a medical center. This is because your body desperately needs to cool down and replenish electrolytes. For heat stroke, recovery can take lon- ger, from a few days to a week, depend- ing on how severe your symptoms are. If you have long-term complications, like acute respiratory distress
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