Does your employer have a heat protection program? Many have added one in recent years in response to OSHA’s emphasis on the topic.
“In August 2024, OSHA proposed new regulations to safeguard workers from extreme heat,” said Erin Peters, product manager at Protective Industrial Products. “These include requirements for providing drinking water, rest breaks and monitoring systems when the heat index reaches certain thresholds, aiming to reduce heat-related workplace injuries and fatalities.”
In April 2022, OSHA launched its National Emphasis Program on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards.
“General awareness of heat stress has improved greatly since the start of the National Emphasis Program,” said Brent Roeder, vice president of sales – safety, metalworking, sourcing and sustainability at Fastenal. “Manufacturers are leaning into new technology that makes managing adequate training and access to water, rest and shade more of a reality.”
However, “Workers need to know how to use these tools properly and consistently, not just when they ‘feel hot,’” Peters noted. “Too often, heat stress is treated as optional or reactive, but it needs to be proactive and built into the workday.”
Added Roeder: “Putting together a thoughtful heat stress program doesn’t have to break the bank. There are tons of low-cost options with long life cycles that create a safe work environment for employees. Establishing a culture where managers allow workers adequate breaks when the temperature is above 80˚ F and where shade and water are readily available isn’t expensive.”
Not only a temperature issue
As Superior Glove notes, protecting workers from heat isn’t “just about withstanding a specific temperature.” The organization notes that “how long you can safely handle hot objects is equally important.”
Which is where protective gloves come in. Do your workers handle hot materials?
“If tasks involve frequent or prolonged exposure, it’s important to select gloves with a higher rating than the minimum required,” Superior Glove says.
“For example, if handling objects at 400° F, choosing gloves rated above that temperature provides a safety buffer. This ‘headroom’ allows for unexpected situations – longer contact or heavier loads – without exceeding the glove’s threshold.”
The ‘why’
Peters shared this final thought: “Employers should understand that heat stress products aren’t just accessories; they’re essential tools that protect their workers.”
Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association
Coming next month:
- Hand protection
- Spills
