OSHA Heat Stress, Illness & Injury Safety

About this course

Course Objectives

Introduction to Heat Stress Safety

• How Does the Body React to Heat?
• What Is Heat Stress?
• Heat Stress Statistics in the Workplace
• Heat-Related Illnesses and Conditions
• Hyperthermia

Heat Index

• Effects of the Heat Index
• Protective Measures
• Risk Levels

Heat Stress Environments

• Environmental (Outdoor) Stress Factors
• Direct Sunlight and Daytime
• Job-Specific (Indoor) Heat Stress Factors

Heat Stress Prevention: Employer Responsibilities

• Employer Responsibilities
• Employer Responsibilities and Controls for Indoor Workplaces
• Employer Training Responsibilities

Heat Stress Prevention: Environmental Controls

• Acclimatization and Prevention Measures
• Acclimatization Steps
• Estimating Work Rates and Loads
• Work and Rest Schedules
• Fluid Replacement and Recovery Areas
• Fluid Types

Heat Stress Prevention: Worker Precautions

• Employee Responsibilities
• Personal Protective Equipment

First Aid and Emergency Response Measures for Heat Stress

• Emergency Preparedness
• Employer Checklist

Summary

Additional Resources

Exam

Since the potential of heat and fatigue-related hazards exist in virtually every work environment, this heat stress safety course is recommended for all workers.

OSHA has not specified any time frame for required retraining or recertification for Heat Stress and Fatigue-related Safety. Since there is no OSHA standard dealing with this specific hazard the OSH Act general duty clause, section 5(a)(1), 29 U.S.C. 654(b)(1) defines the standard which provides that:

(a) Each employer –

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

A recognized hazard is a danger recognized by the employer’s industry or industry in general, by the employer, or by common sense. The general duty clause does not apply if there is an OSHA standard dealing with the hazard, unless the employer knows that the standard does not adequately address the hazard.

According to Heat Stress OSHA Standards:

The courts have interpreted OSHA’s general duty clause to mean that an employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free of conditions or activities that either the employer or industry recognizes as hazardous and that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees when there is a feasible method to abate the hazard. This includes heat-related hazards that are likely to cause death or serious bodily harm.