The first day of summer is fast approaching, and with June 20 comes rising temperatures. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illness.
NIOSH recently updated their publication Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments. Last updated in 1986, the new criteria includes more recent research and findings, such as “additional information about the physiological changes that result from heat stress; updated information from relevant studies, such as those on caffeine use; evidence to redefine heat stroke and associated symptoms; and updated information on physiological monitoring and personal protective equipment and clothing that can be used to control heat stress.”
This publication and other free safety information and resources, including a blog post summarizing best practices for work in heat and a poster for the prevention of heat-related illness, can be found on NIOSH’s Heat Stress webpage.
Plan now and be ready for the summer ahead!