June 9, 2004—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is offering three publications with tips that can help employers and those working outdoors prevent many heat-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries during the hot summer months. OSHA notes that simple precautions can often save lives.
The combination of heat, humidity, and physical labor can lead to fatalities, explains OSHA. The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can make a difference in preventing a fatality.
“Protecting Yourself in the Sun” (.pdf file) is a revised pocket card that explains how to perform self-examinations to detect early stages of skin cancer. The card also describes common physical features of skin cancer that can be caused by exposure to the sun.
“Working Outdoors” (.pdf file) is an OSHA fact sheet that offers advice on ways to protect against exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), precautions to take if working in extreme heat, and how to protect against Lyme Disease and the West Nile Virus.
OSHA’s “Heat Stress Card” lists tips and precautions to prevent many heat-related deaths and injuries. Available in English (3154) and Spanish (3155), this laminated fold-up card is free to employers to distribute to their workers. It offers a quick reference about heat-related injuries, including warning signs, symptoms, and early treatment.
These OSHA publications can be downloaded from the agency’s Web site or obtained from the OSHA publications office, Rm. N3101, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210.
