YOUR RIGHTS IN PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

This material was produced under grant SH20841SHO from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

¿Why is it important to know your rights?

In 2005, seven field laborers died as a result of heat stroke.

In 2008 six field laborers died as a result of heat stroke.

In 2009 and 2010 field laborers also died as a result of heat stroke.

No one should have to be injured or die because of an unsafe work environment.

Your health is important and the law can help.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a heat-related disease

If left untreated it can be life threatening

If you feel the following symptoms, notify your foreman or co-worker

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES CAUSED BY HEAT

NEED MEDICAL NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCEASSISTANCE

Exhaustion caused by heat: Stroke:

•Heavy sweating•Cramps•Rapid heart rate •Headache•Nausea•Vomit

•Dry skin •High body temperature•Disorientation•Confusion

More Symptoms Symptoms of Overheating:

– Sweat– Tiredness– Light head ache

Symptoms of Heat Illnesses:– Heavy sweat – Head ache– Cramps– Rapid heart rate – Stomach ache– Confusion– Mood change

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:Symptoms of Heat Stroke: – Dry, pale skin– Red-colored skin that resembles a burn– Confusion– Inability to think clearly – Convulsions – Fainting

THE 4 KEY ELEMENTS FOR PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESES ARE:

You have the right to all ofthe following. Your employermust provide: 1. Accessible drinking water2. Accessible shade from the sun 3. Written safety and health procedures.4. Appropriate training and education to all employees.

1. Access to water in the work place is required by law

Drinking water should be available at all times– Clean, Cold, and FREE

2 gallons, per employee for every 8 hours of work– Water must be provided to all

employees at no cost to employees

1. You have the right to have access to water

Drinking water must be available to you during your entire work period.– From the beginning of your shift

until the end of your shift

Employers are required by law to make sure drinking water is available at all times

Drinking water needs to remain under the shade at all times

1. Your right to have access to water Encourage co-workers to drink water

through out the day and take a rest break when needed

Drinking water must always be near the work area

The employer must provide individual drinking cups

Drinking water must be kept cool

During a heat-wave, it is important that the employer provide additional rest breaks

You have the right to an extra rest break if you feel ill or to protect yourself from overheating.

DRINK WATER FREQUENTLY!

•Don’t wait until you are thirsty

•Drink small quantities of water throughout the day

•It is illegal for your employer to deny you a water break

2. Your Right to Access ShadeThe definition of Shade is

blockage of direct sunlight

Rest periods must be provided for employees who:– are suffering from a heat

related illness – Who believe they need a rest

to protect themselves from overheating.

By law, employees need to have access to an outdoor, area with shade to recover for a minimum of 5 minutes.

WHERE IS THE SHADE?

EXAMPLES OF INADEQUATE SHADE AREAS

•The shade area must allow for the employees to maintain a comfortable posture and it is prohibited to expose them to other dangers.

•The need to search for shade increases the risk of:

• exposure to dangerous conditions

• exposure to pesticides

WORKERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS SHADE AT ALL TIMES!

When the temperature reaches more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, shade must be located near the work area.

Regardless of the temperature, an employer must always be ready to immediately provide a shaded area if an employee asks for it.

The shade must cover at least 25% of the group.

HOW MUCH SHADE IS ENOUGH SHADE?

•The law requires the provided shade area to be large enough to allow employees to sit comfortably without touching one another.

•The employer needs to provide enough shade to cover at least 25% of the employees working at a given time.

• For example, in a group of 40 employees, the shade area should be enough to accommodate 10 people, comfortably.

WHERE SHOULD THE SHADE BE LOCATED?

•Shade area must be as close to the employees as possible.

•Usually, within a 2 ½ minute walking distance, but never more than ¼ mile or 5 minute walking distance.

EXAMPLE OF AN ACCEPTABLE SHADE AREA

If the temperature reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a shaded area must be present!

3. WRITTEN PROCEDURESThe law requires employees to be aware of their rights in regards to:

Access to drinking water.

Access to shade.

Training for all employees and supervisors.

Responding to emergencies resulting from heat exposure as well as providing urgent care.

4. THE TRAININGAll employees must receive training in:

Procedures to prevent heat related illnesses. The importance of drinking small amounts of water

frequently. The different illnesses and symptoms caused by heat Emergency contact information and procedures.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES The employer and/or supervisor are responsible for

responding to possible heat related symptoms. Contact medical services in case of emergency Provide clear and accurate directions to the work

location.

QUESTIONS?

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