YOUR RIGHTS IN PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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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.
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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.

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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

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES CAUSED BY HEAT
Exhaustion caused by heat
Stroke

• Dry skin
• High body temperature
• Disorientation
• Confusion

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

NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
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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
• Dry, pale skin
• Red-colored skin that resembles a burn
• Confusion
• Inability to think clearly

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THE 4 KEY ELEMENTS FOR PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESES
ARE

• You have the right to all of
• the following. Your employer
• must provide
• 1. Accessible drinking water
• 2. Accessible shade from the sun
• 3. Written safety and health
• procedures.
• Appropriate training and education
• to all employees.

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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

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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

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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.

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DRINK WATER FREQUENTLY!

• Dont 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

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Your Right to Access Shade

• The 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.

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WHERE IS THE SHADE?
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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EXAMPLE OF AN ACCEPTABLE SHADE AREA
If the temperature reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit,
a shaded area must be present!
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WRITTEN PROCEDURES

• The 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.

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THE TRAINING

• All 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.

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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.

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QUESTIONS?

• (add advocate contact information)