More than 130 organizations, led by consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, have petitioned OSHA to establish a heat protection standard for workers.
The petition says that a heat stress standard is necessary because global warming has caused more days of extreme heat, and each summer is producing record-breaking temperatures. The petitioners include two former assistant secretaries of labor for OSHA, medical professionals, individuals, and worker welfare groups.
The petitioners ask that employers be required to provide mandatory 15-minute to 45-minute rest breaks at certain heat thresholds, access to shade, and personal protective equipment like cooling vests and light-colored, breathable fabric. Other requested measures include:
· Access to water and electrolytes
· A heat acclimatization plan
· Heat-exposure monitoring
· Medical monitoring for those exposed to heat above certain levels
· Signage warning of the dangers of heat stress
· A written heat alert program
· Instructor-led worker training
· Record-keeping of heat-related injuries and deaths
· Whistleblower protection for those reporting violations of the heat standard
OSHA currently has no heat-specific standards, but it does offer guidelines on preventing workers from suffering heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. It also provides information on how to recognize heat-related illnesses in coworkers and how to administer first aid.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.