Jul 15 2009

Protect Your Workers from Heat Related Illness and Death.

The summer temperature is rising by the day and so are the rates of heat-induced illness and death. The first report of heat-induced illness took place in Memphis, TN on June 24, 2009, but deaths have been occurring all season and are sure to continue. These incidents remind us to provide employees with the proper training to ensure their safety when working in these conditions.

“Working in extreme temperatures is not only uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “It is important for workers and their employers to minimize the chances of heat-induced illnesses, and imperative that they recognize the signs of heat stress and take the proper precautions to reduce the chances of illness or death.”

Many employers who spend the majority of their time indoors tend to lose sight of the risks that dramatic weather conditions can have on their outdoor workers. By simply taking the time to administer safety training on this issue can save everyone involved from getting burned.

“This heat is taking a toll on everyone, but especially to those who have to work in it day in and day out. We wanted to help these employees stay safe by creating a SafetySkills™ Heat Stress course that tackles this issue and what preventative measures should be taken,” said Trey Greene, CEO of noodleStream.com.