It's hotter than blazes! How to protect workers when temperatures soar

Today's post comes from G.Neil's HR News Weekly:

For much of the country this summer, daily highs in the 80s, 90s -- and even 100s -- are the norm. Record heat is gripping the nation, leaving outdoor workers vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, along with other experts, urges all employers to take the proper precautions to protect workers from intense heat.

Some of the recommendations:

=> Devise a work site plan that outlines prevention measures and ensures that medical services are available to respond to a potential emergency
=> Provide ample amounts of water at work sites and remind workers to drink small amounts frequently (every 15 minutes)
=>Schedule rest breaks throughout work shifts and provide shaded or air-conditioned rest areas near work sites
=>Allow new workers to get used to the extreme heat, gradually increasing the work load over a week's time
=>As much as possible, schedule strenuous tasks earlier in the day

Remember: The three keys to preventing heat-related illnesses are 1) WATER, 2) REST, 3) SHADE.

It's hotter than blazes! How to protect workers when temperatures soar

Curbing harassment when clothing choices - and employee behavior - relax

Preventing sexual harassment is a priority in any workplace, at any time, but it takes a new spin during the “easy, breezy” days of summer. When the temperatures are rising, there's more to keeping your cool than running the air conditioner and sipping on iced drinks.

This is a good time to review your company’s dress code policy and specify what’s acceptable. Don’t assume that employees will use their better judgment when it comes to certain clothes (and how much skin they expose). Unless you clearly specify whether or not an item can be worn in the workplace, it’s likely to make an appearance. Are shorts, capris, tank tops, strappy summer dresses, sandals, flip-flops, hats and other warm-weather staples acceptable? And what if an employee shows up to work wearing something inappropriate? Will you send them home immediately, or issue a warning?

Keep in mind, too, that teens may be particularly vulnerable to harassment. Because they are younger and less experienced, they may be reluctant to stand up to harassing behavior. Or they may feel they don’t have the authorization to complain about a colleague, especially one in a more senior position. Further still, uninformed teens may be guilty of harassing another coworker, perhaps without even realizing the boundaries.

Working teens need to know what constitutes harassment, as well as what resources are available to them if they are victimized. Harassment training shouldn’t take a summer vacation: It is essential for reducing incidents of improper behavior among your year-round and seasonal employees.

Curbing harassment when clothing choices - and employee behavior - relax

Here comes the sun - and the heat stroke (if you're not careful)

With a summer heat wave gripping most of the country right now, keeping cool seems to be everyone’s #1 priority. Obviously, employees who work outdoors or in confined spaces with limited cooling or air conditioning are at the greatest risk for heat-related illnesses.

OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. When the sun is blaring and the temperatures are nearing the triple digits, protect your workers from heat stroke and other extreme temperature hazards by following these precautions:

• Provide shelter from the sun and allow employees to take regular cool-down breaks

• Make sure water is readily available and allow employees to drink throughout the day

• Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including:

=> High body temperature
=> Lack of sweating, although skin may be hot red or flushed and dry skin
=> Rapid pulse
=> Difficulty breathing
=> Irrational or strange behavior, including hallucinations, disorientation. agitation or confusion
=> Seizure

• Keep first aid supplies on-hand at all job sites. For heat related illnesses, this would include ample water or sports drinks, a shower or hose for emergency cool-downs, a shaded or air-conditioned area for recovery, and a working telephone to summon 911.

• Educate employees on the dangers of soaring temperatures with G.Neil’s Extreme Heat Exposure Kit, which includes a poster, tip sheet and 20 takeaway notifications

Here comes the sun - and the heat stroke (if you're not careful)