Summer is around the corner, and with increased temperatures come increased risk of heat stress incidents in the workplace. Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments indoors or outdoors, or even those engaged in strenuous physical activities may be at risk for heat stress. Heat stress can cause all sorts of illnesses - heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat rashes, or even death. Employers want to ensure that their workers are safe, but they are just as concerned about maintaining productivity. What are employer responsibilities and what are the options when certain workers may be more at risk than others?

On this episode of EHS on Tap, we discuss heat stress challenges with Abby Ferri, CEO and Chief Consultant of The Ferri Group.

EHS on Tap is an environmental, health, and safety podcast by BLR. On each episode of EHS on Tap, our host will discuss emerging legal, regulatory, and policy issues with industry experts and the impacts to everyday environmental and safety professionals. EHS on Tap runs the gamut of contemporary environmental issues including water, air, and waste as well as covers a wide variety of safety issues.

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Click here for Heat stress analysis and resources

Federal OSHA LOIs
The use of hard hats while working on roofs in hot weather (2014) - this LOI references Section 5(a)(1) and elements of an employer’s policy (lots of work practice controls that aren’t specified anywhere else in Fed standard)

The use of PPE in hot weather conditions (2010) - this LOI includes more work practice controls

Skin cancer as a risk to outdoor workers (1998)

PPE for emergency response operations (1995)

Landscaping employees in extreme heat (1992)