OSHA Warns of Heat Health Hazards

Free mobile app allows supervisors to monitor risk levels and heat index at work sites.

Every year, thousands of workers suffer from serious heat-related illnesses and an average of 30 die of heat stroke. To educate workers and employers about heat hazards, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reaching out through a national initiative.

The organization has developed a free application for mobile devices that allows both workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index and potential risk factors for exposure. The app is available for Android-based platforms and the iPhone.

“For outdoor workers, ‘water, rest and shade’ are three words that can make the difference between life and death,” Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said. “If employers take reasonable precautions, and look out for their workers, we can beat the heat.”

OSHA has developed heat illness education materials, a curriculum for workplace training and an informative web site for workers and employers in both English and Spanish.

Federal OSHA worked with California OSHA last year to create the campaign. They are also partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to incorporate worker safety precautions during heat alerts.

Tags: Android Hilda L. Solis National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor