Occupational Safety
Washington State Finalizes Rules to Protect Workers from Heat-Related Illness
Written by Pamela Rao Monday, 16 June 2008 04:43
In response to the deaths of three workers in three years, Washington State has implemented a set of emergency workplace regulations. There have been more than 500 workers’ compensation claims due to heat-related illness since 1995
Working outdoors during hot weather can lead to serious health problems, even disability or death. Less serious forms of heat-related illness can lead to injuries due to the mental and physical symptoms that occur during the onset of heat stress.
While workers in many occupations are at risk for heat illness, farmworkers face special challenges because of the nature of their workplace. Most farmwork is performed in direct sunlight and sufficient quantities of potable water may not be readily available or may not be imbibed due to reluctance to take time away from work. The work involves health physical labor, at times requires heavy or impermeable protective clothing, and usually takes place during the warmest season in a region.
As heat stress develops, workers become disoriented and their judgment impaired, which reduces their ability to take protective measures (e.g., drink water, move to shade) and increases their risk of injury. Often the victim is not aware of the developing problem because of impaired mental function, an early symptom of developing heat-related illness.
Heat-related illnesses are largely preventable if simple precautions are followed. The final workplace rules for the State of Washington requires employers with employees who work in an outdoor environment to:
- Provide initial training to employees and supervisors about recognizing and managing heat-related illnesses
- Make available sufficient water to reduce the risk of heat stress on days when temperatures reach trigger levels; and,
- Establish a plan for responding to any employee who shows symptoms of heat-related illness.
Complete details of the Washington State’s rules can be found on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries webpage.For more information about heat-related illness and farmworkers, including clinical recommendations, please download a free copy of “Heat-related Illnesses: An Occupational Health Concern for Farmworkers” from Farmworker Justice’s Health and Safety Resources page.
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