As summer temperatures continue to rise all over the country, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) has published a new Temporary Worker Initiative (TWI) bulletin addressing exposure to outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards.
The bulletin outlines the dangers of exposure to heat hazards and the responsibilities of both staffing agencies and host employers. Although the bulletin focuses on compliance requirements when temporary workers are employed, the information and best practices are a good reminder for companies operating in conditions where outdoor and indoor heat is a factor.
Given the nature of work in the energy services industry, employees could be exposed to high heat conditions both indoors and outdoors, but heat-related illnesses and injuries can also occur in ambient temperatures for those in bulky protective clothing and doing physical activity.
OSHA will host a free webinar on this TWI on August 4 at 1 p.m. CST, featuring Audrey Profitt from OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs. Registration is open here.
Energy Workforce will continue to monitor OSHA publications and update the membership on relevant bulletins.
For more information on HSE practices, contact COO Molly Determan.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
