Safety/Health

You don’t need to work in an industry traditionally considered “dangerous,” such as construction or manufacturing, to take steps to make your workplace safer.

According to the federal National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, working in hot environments puts employees at risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes. Heat also increases the risk of injuries resulting from sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces.

OSHA’s recently issued final rule on who may represent employees during safety and health inspections has employers worried. As a practical matter, the “walkaround rule”—which takes effect May 31—means employers have little opportunity to object to third parties who employees choose to accompany OSHA inspectors as they check for unsafe working conditions or practices.

Warm spring days mean sweltering summer temperatures aren’t far behind. Now is the time to prepare to keep employees safe from heat hazards.