OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers

With summer fast approaching, it is important for workers to be aware of how to stay safe in hot weather. Heat Illness can be deadly. Every year, thousands of workers are affected by exposure to heat and some even die. Any worker that is exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk for heat illness. Outdoor workers are at such a high risk for suffering from heat illness in the summer because the body would normally cool itself by sweating. During hot weather and increased humidity, sweating is not enough. Heat illness requires immediate medical attention and should not be taken lightly.

OSHA is launching the heat awareness campaign in hopes of decreasing the amount of workers that suffer heat illness.

It is very important for workers to: Drink water often, rest in the shade, report heat symptoms early, and to know what to do in an emergency situation. Water, rest, and shade are  three key terms to remember when working in hot weather conditions. Heat illness can be prevented and should be monitored closely.

OSHA Launches New Construction Fall Prevention Campaign

A new campaign from OSHA has been launched to focus on fall prevention in the construction industry. April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, which is observed annually to remember workers who died on the job. "The best way to honor Workers Memorial Day is to make sure that another family does not have to suffer the pain of losing a loved one because of preventable workplace injuries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. 

In 2010, more than 10,000 construction workers were injured while 225 were killed. OSHA's new awareness program will provide employers and workers with life saving information. Educational materials about working safely from ladders, scaffolds and roofs will also be provided. 

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has teamed up with OSHA to implement the fall prevention program. OSHA and NIOSH will work with trade organizations, labor unions, employers, universities, and all community organizations to promote the fall prevention program. OSHA created a fall prevention Web page to educate viewers on the details of the program.

SafetySkills offers a lot of information over safety and teaches how to maintain a safe environment. SafetySkills also offers a variety of safety training courses. Training is available in a DVD format for employees without computer access. Please call us today for more information on course titles, regulations, and pricing at 888-844-3549.