OSHA Calls for Construction Workers to be Cautious

June 4th, 2013

Construction workers are among those who can fall victim to heat exhaustion while on the clock. WABE's John Lorinc reports that's why OSHA is reminding the dangers that can appear during the summer months.

The summer season officially kicks off in a few weeks….and for some…..that means plenty of time in the heat.

That’s why federal officials are reminding businesses with employees who work outdoors to be extra-cautious over the next few months.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is hosting its third annual Heat Illness Prevention Campaign on Tuesday.

The goal is for companies to voluntarily discuss the dangers heat exhaustion can pose…..and the preventative steps that can be taken.

OSHA officials say construction workers are the main group the organization is focusing on, but there are others, like landscapers, who also need to be careful while working outdoors.

“Drink water every 15 minutes, rest in the shade and then be familiar with symptoms such as clammy skin, heat rashes, headaches and know when to take that break,” says Christi Griffin, with the Atlanta branch of OSHA.

In addition this campaign, OSHA has also created a free downloadable app.

“It enables workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at the worksite. So it will display a heat level for workers based upon the heat index as well as reminders about protective measures and what should be taken at what risk level,” says Griffin.

Griffin says heat exhaustion kills a few dozen workers in the U.S. every year.