By Ruth Kiefer, MSc, ARM
Vice President of Cost Control

As this article hits your inbox, we will be in that magical time when flowers bloom and evenings are getting longer. It is also the time to remind you to have your Heat Stress Program developed and ready to implement for the sometime sweltering days of summer.

There are 12 key elements of a Heat Illness Prevention program that. MIOSHA requires. 1) Having a plan – this includes monitoring, acclimating, and having work/rest schedules. 2) You should designate someone to oversee the Heat Safety Program. 3) Training for employees is key to the program and workers need to know the risks, symptoms, and response procedures, as well as prevention methods regarding heat stress.

Nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat stress occur in the first week of work, so 4) don’t forget to acclimate your workers to the physical changes that allow the employee to build up a tolerance for working in the heat. 5) If possible, modify work schedules to reduce heat exposures. There are several ways to modify schedules such as shift physically demanding work to cooler times of the day, rotate workers, or split shifts. 6) You should also allow frequent rest breaks that are long enough to allow workers enough time to recover from heat given the temperature, humidity, activity level, and other conditions.

7) As part of your program, you should have identified any additional Heat Hazards such as outdoor/indoor work, moderate to strenuous physical activity being performed, heavy work clothes, high humidity or other factors such as air movement. 8) You should check the temperature in the work area before work to determine the heat index of the area. This will determine what elements of your program are needed for the day. 9) On red flag days, where the program is needed based on the heat index, employees should be monitoring each other for signs of heat-stress or heat illness. 10) There should be a designated break area that is cool and has water or electrolyte replacement drink available.

11) When the heat index is high and the program is active, workers should also wear breathable loosefitting clothing where possible. Sorry, flip-flops are still not allowed on the shop floor, even in these conditions. 12) Then the last part of a good program is to be ready for an emergency. Your employees should know what to do when someone shows signs of heat illness, how to contact emergency services, and how long it takes for them to arrive.

There we go, the 12 elements to your heat stress program. This will become a mandatory program and is only waiting on approval, so take this time to develop one. If you need any additional information, please contact your loss control consultant for more information that you may need. In the meantime, enjoy that brief time of year between winter and summer, because summer will be here before you know it.