Heat Illness Rules in Effect: Water – Shade & Rest Requirements

You may hear that OSHA does not have a Heat Illness Prevention Rule and that would be true at the Federal level.  In Oregon and Washington, employers who have workers exposed to 80 degrees or higher based on the Heat Index are required to comply with State initiated heat illness rules.

This includes:

• Implementing written program which details how employers will;
  • Provide ready access to shade
  • How employees will have access to minimum supply of cool or cold water
  • Establish an emergency medical plan to include heat illness response
  • Develop an acclimatization plan for workers
  • Apply an overall heat illness prevention plan
  • Document supervisor & employee annual training
  • Create rest break schedules during High Heat periods

The NIETC has sample written programs for both OR & WA and can conduct onsite training when requested.  Contact Barry Moreland for more information.