OSHA takes the heat seriously, asking employers to keep workers safe in the heat with water, rest and shade. The Department of Labor agency launched its Heat Illness Prevention Campaign in 2011 after noting that dozens of workers die annually and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions.

There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Workers can suffer heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. At minimum, heat can make employees uncomfortable causing them to slow down production. In worse scenarios, extreme heat might cause workers to feel sick, confused, cramped and nauseous. They may even lose consciousness.

OSHA does not have a specific standard for working in hot conditions, but it urges companies to prepare and implement hot weather plans. Under the OSH Act, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace, including heat-related hazards. The following guide is designed by OSHA to help employers and supervisors use the heat index to determine when extra precautions should be taken.

Providing Water, Rest and Shade

Heat illness is more common on outdoor worksites, particularly in the beginning of the summer or late spring when the heat suddenly spikes and people have not yet become acclimated to high temperatures. However, heat-related illness can happen indoors too. This is especially important to keep in mind for those working in hot factories or warehouses. With the heat coming off of machines and the lack of air circulation inside many work plants, sometimes it can be hotter inside than it is outside.    

Supplying employees with ample shade, rest and water can make a big difference in keeping them safe during the hot summer months. Make sure to have drinking water at the ready and electrolyte drinks for replenishing minerals lost in extensive heat. See Electrolyte Drinks for Workers.

If outside, create rest areas with pop-up tents like the SHAX HD COMMERCIAL TENT POP-UP CANOPY - ERGDYN 12900 for extra shade. Keep a water cooler under the shade to encourage employees to drink.

For those who work indoors, keep them cool with large fans throughout the building to make sure body temperatures stay within a healthy range. BlackHawk sells industrial grade fans that are affordable. Cordless fans, such as the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Jobsite Fan, are available for keeping workers cool without tripping on cables and can be placed anywhere, even when there is no outlet nearby.

For additional questions about fans and tents sold by BlackHawk Industrial, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

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Toll Free: 855-610-1001