Safety Stand-Down Designed to Prevent Heat-Related Illness on the Job Site

by

Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated June 4, 2013 In Workers Compensation

With summer just around the corner, Tennessee companies with employees working outside should be aware of the dangers of heat-related illness at the workplace. In order to raise awareness about this serious job site risk, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) organized a safety “stand-down” to take place on June 4, from 7 to 8 a.m., at construction sites and other workplaces throughout Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and other Southeast states. If you have been injured or fallen ill on the job, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal work-related accident in Tennessee, consult our reputable attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and medical bills, which our legal team can help you pursue.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness on the Job

According to OSHA statistics, more than 30 workers in the United States have died of heat stroke every year since 2003, and while hotter states like California and Texas have seen the majority of heat-related worker fatalities, even states with cooler climates like New Jersey have reported job site incidents in the past. In order to reduce the risk of worker illness or fatality associated with high temperatures, OSHA offers the following suggestions for employers:

• Train workers and supervisors about the hazards leading to heat stress and ways to prevent them
• Provide workers with plenty of cool water in convenient locations close to the work area
• Schedule frequent rest breaks and provide air-conditioned or shaded areas close to the work area
• Monitor weather reports and schedule jobs with high heat exposure during cooler periods of the day
• Monitor workers for signs of heat exposure, and encourage workers to report symptoms of heat-related illness

Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help

Although OSHA hasn’t established a specific heat prevention standard, heat-related citations fall under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Under this law, employers in Tennessee and throughout the United States are required to provide workers with a place of employment that “is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” Unfortunately, when employers fail to provide a safe and healthful work environment for their employees, the consequences can be devastating for workers and their families. If you have suffered a work-place injury or occupational illness in Tennessee, and you think you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, contact our experienced lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today.

Source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/