We're 'Havin a Heatwave

HRDir1

A part of our business requires employees to work outside for extended periods of time, doing manual labor, lifting, etc. We are experiencing a heatwave in the Mid-Atlantic right now and have provided crew trucks with water coolers, and advised that workers take frequent breaks in the shade to cool off, but are still having employees fall ill due to the heat.

Does anyone have suggestions for other materials, tricks, or ways in which we can help our employees avoid heat exhausition? It is becoming a real problem, and there is little chance for relief in the near future.

Thanks!!

fisHRman

Hey, it's hot here, too!  NIOSH has some helpful info and links at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

SFbay

1 .If possible, you could rework schedules so that the more
physically demanding jobs are scheduled for times of the day when it is
cooler.

2 . Require workers to take breaks and drink water (instead of just recommending them). Hold managers accountable and do spot checks at job sites.

3. OSHA has a "heat stress card" that you can hand out to
employees.  http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf.

4. My state (California) has "heat illness" rules and resources that may help you come up with ideas.  http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html

HRDir1

Thanks for all of your help - this is great!

GoPatsNH

I also happened upon this article in USA Today about what employers are doing to help their outdoor workers handle the heat:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2007-07-23-heat-work_N.htm