The year 2023 marked the hottest year in recorded history, with cities across the United States breaking records for consecutive days of extreme heat. These conditions forced risk managers to reassess heat safety protocols for their workforce. Several state-level OSHAs, including those in California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and Colorado, have updated their heat-related prevention guidelines, and federal OSHA is working on new rules to address the challenges posed by extreme heat.
This article examines current safety regulations, the impact of climate change on employees, and steps risk managers and employers should take to implement effective heat safety standards.
Effects on Employees
Weather variations, particularly those caused by climate change, significantly impact worker safety and health. Employees, particularly those working outdoors, face heightened risks as they cannot avoid hazards such as extreme heat. Unlike the general population, these workers do not have the option to remain indoors or access cooling centers during heatwaves. Climate-related changes exacerbate existing health and safety risks.
Types of Climate-Related Hazards
- Heat Stress — Workers engaged in physically demanding jobs during extreme heat events are at risk of heat stress. This hazard is compounded by a lack of control over workplace conditions.
- Extreme Weather Events — Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, droughts, storms, and landslides increase the likelihood of workplace injuries, diseases, and stress. Workers involved in rescue, cleanup, and restoration efforts face heightened exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Health Impacts — Adverse effects include respiratory issues from air pollution, water-borne diseases, and skin or lung irritation caused by mold or pesticides.
Effects on Employers
- Productivity Challenges — Climate change reduces worker productivity. For instance, heat stress leads to quicker fatigue among outdoor workers, necessitating frequent breaks for cooling and hydration.
- Increased Medical Costs — Heat-related injuries and illnesses often require extended recovery periods, increasing workers’ compensation claims and medical expenses.
- Trade and Industry Impacts — The ongoing drought in the Panama Canal region highlights how climate change disrupts global trade. A 30% reduction in rainfall forced the Panama Canal Authority to limit vessel sizes and reduce transit numbers, leading to shipping delays and higher transportation costs. While operational cost cuts and increased rainfall in 2024 provided some relief, the long-term implications of such disruptions remain significant.
Risk Management Respones
Businesses are adapting to climate change by incorporating energy efficiency, environmentally friendly practices, and green technologies. As new industries like solar, wind, and recycling emerge, employers must address worker safety in these sectors.
Recommended Heat Safety Programs
- Access to Cooling Resources — Provide employees with regular access to cool water, shaded rest areas, and cooling stations.
- Protective Wear – Ensure employees are protected with hats, sunscreen, UVA/UVB protective clothing, breathable clothing, etc.
- Acclimatization Protocols — Gradually introduce new and returning workers to high-heat environments with lighter workloads and more frequent breaks.
- Comprehensive Training — Educate workers on recognizing and reporting heat-related illnesses, and train supervisors to monitor weather conditions, enforce rest breaks, and remind workers to stay hydrated.
Federal OSHA Requirements
All employers covered by the OSH Act must ensure workers are protected from heat-related hazards. This includes developing a Heat Illness and Injury Program tailored to specific worksite conditions, providing cooling resources, and implementing mandatory training.
Employers must regularly monitor workplace conditions and adapt their safety programs as needed. OSHA has indicated that it will issue citations for noncompliance and will assess whether employers have met their legal responsibilities on a case-by-case basis.
Heat Standards in Specific States
- California — Employers must provide water, shade, and training when temperatures reach 80°F. Specific protocols are triggered at higher temperatures.
- Colorado — Heat protection measures are required at 80°F, including shaded rest areas and scheduled breaks. Additional precautions are mandated at 95°F.
- Oregon and Washington — Rules mandate that employers supply cold drinking water, shaded rest areas, and written heat rest schedules. Acclimatization plans and training on heat illness prevention are also required.
These state-specific standards emphasize the importance of proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses across industries.
How To Proceed
As global temperatures continue to rise, the risks to workers’ health and safety become more severe. Employers must comply with state and federal OSHA requirements to implement effective heat safety protocols. Free resources, including training materials and guidance, are available on the CDC and OSHA websites to help employers meet these obligations. Protecting workers from heat-related hazards is not only a legal requirement but a moral imperative.
