Here at YES! Your Human Resources Solution, we know that summer’s heat is great for days at the beach and nights on the patio.  Summer sun worshippers can’t get enough of those extra-warm rays.  But for every beachgoer enjoying a day of sun and sand, there’s a construction worker or a telephone splicer working a long day in the hot temperatures.  For these workers, the increased heat of summer can present a serious danger to their health—a danger that is up to employers to prevent.

Employers are legally required to protect at-risk workers from heat hazards.  Failure to comply can land employers in trouble with OSHA, the ADA, workers’ compensation, and criminal law in the form of battery, negligence, or reckless conduct.  Worse, neglecting heat safety can cause employee injury or death.  Because of heat’s potential hazard to safety and health, OSHA regulates heat in the workplace and requires employer compliance.

Heat can affect employees from many sources, including the sun, a too-hot building, and personal protective equipment, which can prevent the natural release of body heat.  Overheating can lead to employee illness, such as confusion, loss of muscle control, nausea, vomiting, and death.  By the time an employee feels thirsty or “off,” dehydration has already occurred.  Where a heat hazard exists, employers are required to implement protective measures for their employees.  So how do employers do that?

The first step is to consult with employees to identify potential heat hazards.  Methods should then be introduced to correct or mitigate the hazards.  Protection can come in the form of more frequent rest breaks, readily available drinking water, duty rotation, cooling vests, or improved ventilation.  The second step is to train employees.  Supervisors and employees should be taught about heat illness: how it happens, what the symptoms are, and what to do if someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness.  Awareness is the best weapon against heat-related injuries.  As a third step and a failsafe, first-aid services should always be close at hand.

But don’t stop there!  Regularly check in with employees about working conditions and consider ways to make the work environment more comfortable.  An employee safety committee might be helpful, and involves employees in the process.  This is also a great way to plan and conduct regular safety sessions—and to keep the sun from burning your business!