Summer has hit the Twin Cities, with heat warnings being issued. Please take precautions to keep yourself and your employees safe, especially those working in non-air conditioned areas and outdoors. I have attached OSHA’s heat stress quick card that explains symptoms, prevention and treatment. Here are additional pointers:
- Allow for more frequent breaks
- Provide water for employees. Employees should drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Electrolyte drinks (such as Gatorade) can be used along with water, but limit their use due to the sugar content.
- Encourage employees to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- When working outdoors, employees should wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- If anyone becomes lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint, they should stop and rest
- Allow employees to use cool cloths around their necks
OSHA has a Quick Card with more information on heat stress, available in English and Spanish: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.html.