The purpose of a proposed new rule released by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) last month is to shield employees from health risks associated with exposure to excessive heat. The DOL asserts that if the rule is implemented, it will significantly lower the number of heat-related illnesses, injuries, and occupational fatalities while also protecting about 36 million workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
This is noteworthy because, according to DOL, heat is the main weather-related cause of death in the United States. The National Emphasis Program (NEP) was introduced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to safeguard employees against heat-related illnesses and injuries, and that announcement was made just two years ago.
This was the first time OSHA had introduced a National Heat Protection Program (NEP) to safeguard workers from heat, and it resulted in more than 5,000 federal heat-related inspections.
According to Frank Selamie, President of CTSI, “the proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control occupational heat hazards.” Employers must assess the hazards associated with heat, put regulations in place for drinking water when those risks put workers at risk, give employees rest periods, and manage indoor heat. A strategy for safeguarding recently hired or returning employees who are not used to working in extreme heat is also necessary. Employers must ensure that workers receive training and that protocols are in place for handling indications and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
The industrial hygiene specialists at CTSI are committed to assisting businesses in maintaining health and safety compliance and providing a safe work environment for their employees. The professionals at CTSI may assist in developing an injury and disease prevention strategy to reduce worker exposure to thermal stressors and temperature extremes. CTSI has offices in Florida and the New York metropolitan region. In addition, they provide thorough occupational testing and monitoring, training on heat stress-related illnesses and hazard communication, and evaluations of administrative, engineering, and personal heat-protective equipment controls.
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