School may have just started for Denver families, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the hot summer is over. As August comes to a close, OSHA is reminding workers who spend a lot of time outside to be mindful of heat-related illnesses.
It can be easy to forget to take short breaks, drink some water, and rest in the shade. But in industries like construction, transportation, and even landscaping, to name a few, there is a risk of overheating if the body isn’t able to cool down. If the body overheats, a worker could suffer heat stroke. If left untreated, heat stroke can cause death.
To help reduce the risk of a heat-related illness, several suggestions from OSHA include take water breaks frequently, wear a hat, and learn how to identify signs of heat stroke. Ultimately, the employer is responsible for helping protect workers from exposure to extreme heat and humidity.
For more information on OSHA’s Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers, visit their website here.
