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As the summer heat index moves along, the federal Occupational Safety and Administration Health (OSHA) is advising employers on how to protect workers from heat-related injuries—and preclude potential liability claims.

The California Chamber of Commerce, through its Labor Law Extra publication, notes:

“Working in hot environments can be dangerous.  The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to injury, even death.  In 1999, there were 34 work-related deaths from heat nationwide, and 2,420 other heat-related occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in missed work.  The likelihood of rolling blackouts in California this summer only increases the chance of heat-related injuries.”

Here are a few suggestions from OSHA on how to protect workers from heat-related injuries:

• Encourage workers to drink plenty of water—about 1 cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if they are not thirsty—and to avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks that dehydrate the body.

• Help workers adjust to the heat by assigning a lighter workload and longer rest periods for the first 5 to 7 days of intense heat. This process needs to be repeated when a worker returns from vacation or absence from the job.

• Encourage workers to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Workers should change their clothes if they become completely saturated.

• Use general ventilation and spot cooling at points of high heat production. Good airflow increases evaporation and cooling of the skin.

• Train first-aid workers to recognize and treat the signs of heat stress and be sure all workers know who has been trained to provide aid. Also, train supervisors to detect early signs of heat-related illness and permit workers to interrupt their work if they become extremely uncomfortable.

• Consider a worker's physical condition when determining fitness to work in hot environments. Obesity, lack of conditioning, pregnancy and inadequate rest can increase susceptibility to heat stress.

• Alternate work and rest periods, with rest periods in a cooler area. Shorter, more frequent work-rest cycles are best. Schedule heavy work for cooler times of the day and use appropriate protective clothing.

• Monitor temperatures, humidity, and workers' responses to heat at least hourly.

• OSHA's Heat Stress Card, a quick reference about heat-related injuries, including warning signs and prevention tips, is free to employers to distribute to their workers or post in the workplace.  For a copy of the Heat Stress Card in English go to http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf.  For Spanish, go to http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/osha3155.pdf.