July 22, 2016, was a hot day in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. By late afternoon, the heat index had spiked to about 110 degrees. That was right around the time 23-year-old landscaper Tyler Halsey – whose shift had begun nine-and-a-half hours earlier at 7 – succumbed to heat stress. He was hospitalized with a core body temperature of more than 108 degrees and died the next day.
Cooling caps, canopies with misting hoses and training sessions on heat exposure are among the ways employers are keeping their workers safe during extreme heat, according to OSHA, which is compiling examples.
With a large part of the U.S. sweltering under high temperatures, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of heatstroke and take measures to avoid it. Outdoor workers face a double whammy: prolonged exposure to heat while engaging in physical exertion.
NIOSH and OSHA recently released the redesigned, co-branded OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App. This version replaces the app previously created by OSHA in 2011. The app calculates the heat index at outdoor worksites using the smartphone’s geolocation capabilities to pull current weather conditions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites.
Athletics scholars have studied heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and their impact on athletes of all ages at all levels. Their discoveries can help safety professionals prevent HRIs in the workplace.
According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, last summer we saw sweltering weather conditions, with record-breaking heat in more than 40 U.S. cities. New workers, temporary workers or those returning from time off are especially susceptible to heat-induced illnesses.
Based on the popularity of its innovative Chill-Its®6685 Cooling Vest, Ergodyne has released a new dry evaporative cooling product today. The Chill-Its® 6686 Dry Evaporative Cooling Hat is a lightweight and low-maintenance cooling solution that comfortably manages heat stress.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be deadly or debilitating. Other illnesses such as heat cramps and heat rash are painful conditions that can increase a worker’s risk of injury.
Airport traffic enforcement employees at the Palm Springs (CA) International Airport are concerned because they haven’t received training in handling emergencies or disasters.
Take, for example, workplace violence. A gunman opened fire in the baggage claim area of Fort Lauderdale International Airport, leaving five people dead.
Ergodyne today added new products to its GloWear® Hi-Vis Apparel Line in preparation for summer outdoor work. These new garments provide ANSI-compliant visibility to prevent struck-by accidents and are packed with features to help workers beat the heat.
