July 3, 2006—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides several publications to help workers and employers become more aware of the hazards of working outdoors and in the heat during the months of summer, and how they can protect themselves. According to OSHA, quick thinking by co-workers along with an OSHA Heat Stress QuickCard are credited with saving the life of a worker involved in cleanup and recovery operations in New Orleans in May.
The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal, explains OSHA. 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.
“Working Outdoors” 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. The fact sheet also offers information links for teenagers working at summer jobs.
OSHA’s “Heat Stress Card” lists tips and precautions to prevent many heat-related deaths and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated 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.
“Protecting Yourself Against Harmful Sunlight” is a pocket card that explains how to perform self-examinations to detect early stages of skin cancer. The card, available in English and Spanish, also describes common physical features of skin cancer that can be caused by exposure to the sun.
These publications and others related to outdoor job hazards can be downloaded from OSHA’s Web site on the Publications page.
