With continued hot weather in the southern half of the United States, employers need to double check their Emergency Phone Numbers Poster.
Employers should also provide basic information on heat-related injuries. The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can make a difference in preventing a fatality.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees, including displaying an Emergency Phone Numbers Poster. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is charged with assuring the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
According to an OSHA publication, Heat Stress results when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating. It can include several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke.
Heat stroke in particular can result in death. Employees working in direct sun or heat, in high temperatures and high humidity are at risk. This can include situations with limited air movement, and physical exertion.
Besides outdoor workers, heat-related injuries are a risk for indoor employees in some industries, including dry cleaners and factories. Many restaurant kitchens in warmer climates are not air-conditioned, placing those employees at risk as well.
One way for employers to increase employee awareness of safety is by prominently displaying an Emergency Phone Numbers Poster, as well as the mandatory OSHA safety poster entitled “It’s the Law – OSHA Notice.”
Too many employers fail to realize that they are in violation of federal law when they neglect to display this poster. Some states offer OSHA-approved state offices of Occupational Safety and Health. In those states, including California, Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, employers may display a state safety poster instead of the OSHA poster.
