Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1381388
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JUNE 9, 2021 Page 21 T he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently streamlined its Help for Employers web page. The redesigned site makes it easier to find information on safety responsibilities and compliance assistance. Since certain parts of the country are already under warnings and heat advisories, OSHA also has a useful new resource. Their heat safety poster, shown at right, emphasizes the importance of allowing workers to gradually build up a tolerance to higher temperatures. Workers are valuable assets to any company. Make sure any of your company's staff who work outdoors follow recommended advice for preventing dehydration and more serious medical emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In addition, please train them to recognize and treat fellow staff who begin to exhibit signs of heat-induced illness. Let's stay safe this summer! v New Safety and Health Resources Prevent Heat Illness at Work Outdoor and indoor heat exposure can be dangerous. Ways to Protect Yourself and Others 20% 100% Ease into Work Nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat illness happen during the first week of work. New and returning workers need to build tolerance to heat (acclimatize) and take frequent breaks. Follow the 20% Rule. On the first day, work no more than 20% of the shift's duration at full intensity in the heat. Increase the duration of time at full intensity by no more than 20% a day until workers are used to working in the heat. Drink Cool Water Drink cool water even if you are not thirsty — at least 1 cup every 20 minutes. Take Rest Breaks Take enough time to recover from heat given the temperature, humidity, and conditions. Find Shade or a Cool Area Take breaks in a designated shady or cool location. Dress for the Heat Wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing if possible. Watch Out for Each Other Monitor yourself and others for signs of heat illness. If Wearing a Face Covering Change your face covering if it gets wet or soiled. Verbally check on others frequently. First Aid for Heat Illness The following are signs of a medical emergency! ? ? ? ? ? ? Abnormal thinking or behavior Slurred speech Seizures Loss of consciousness 1 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY 2 COOL THE WORKER RIGHT AWAY WITH WATER OR ICE 3 STAY WITH THE WORKER UNTIL HELP ARRIVES Watch for any other signs of heat illness and act quickly. When in doubt, call 911. If a worker experiences: Headache or nausea Weakness or dizziness Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin Elevated body temperature Thirst Decreased urine output Take these actions: Give water to drink Remove unnecessary clothing Move to a cooler area Cool with water, ice, or a fan Do not leave alone Seek medical care if needed For more information: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) TTY 1-877-889-5627 www.osha.gov/heat Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace. You have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. See https://www.osha.gov/workers for information about how to file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask for an inspection. OSHA 3431-05R 2021 Welcome to our newest members! Party John—Anderson, South Carolina LooView—Alberta, Canada Go Services Inc.—Alberta, Canada Charlene's Waste Services, LLC—Wentzville, Missouri