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For immediate release: June 27, 2012
BWC suggests precautions for working outside
during record heat
COLUMBUS - With one of the hottest days of the year forecasted for tomorrow, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
(BWC) is reminding employers and their workers to take precautions if they must work outside.
"Heat can present a particularly serious danger to those whose offices have no walls or doors," said BWC Administrator/CEO
Steve Buehrer. "Simple precautions can make a big difference in ensuring the safety of our outdoor workers."
Excess heat can pose a number of dangers to outdoor workers, including illnesses like heat rash, cramps, exhaustion,
fainting and the most dangerous, heat stroke. The heat can also be a contributing factor to other injuries such as burns
caused by contact with hot surfaces and dizziness that can cause falls.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) suggests three simple tips for staying safe while working
outside during hot weather:
- Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day-every 15 minutes. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
- Rest: Rest breaks help the body recover.
- Shade: Resting in the shade or in air-conditioning helps cool the body down.
BWC offers a series of Safety Talks designed for employers to help them increase safety awareness and improve
performance in their organizations. The Heat Stress Safety Talk discusses the various types of heat illnesses and
a number of additional tips for avoiding heat stress, including:
- Beginning shifts earlier in the day;
- Providing good air ventilation (when the air tem-perature is lower than body temperature);
- Providing cool water and making sure workers can drink it on a regular basis;
- Promoting workers beginning their shifts fully hydrated and allowing them to consume fluids at will;
- Designing a work/rest regimen that decreases the work rate/load.
BWC also has videos available for employers to train their employees about heat related risks and prevention.
For more information go to ohiobwc.com and click on Library Services. Employers can also schedule a consultation
with a industrial hygienist by calling 1-800-OHIOBWC.
All BWC safety services are included as part of employers' premiums at no additional charge.
Follow BWC on Twitter.
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