workplace safety
28
MICA MESSENGER
minded that several other OSHA stand-
ards may also be applicable to address 
worker protection in hot environments. 
These include, but are not limited to:
The Recordkeeping Standard at 29 CFR 
1904.7(b)(5) which requires recording 
of any injuries, which require treatment 
beyond first aid. The CSHO is the re-
cordkeeping requirement that extends 
to keeping record if an employee faints, 
becomes unconscious, or requires the 
use of oxygen.
The sanitation standards, found at 
1910.141 for General Industry and 
1926.51 for Construction, requires em-
ployers to provide cool potable water.
Finally, two standards often overlooked 
by employers, but which have a direct 
impact in this situation, are 29 CFR 
1926.20 and 29 CFR 1926.21. Among 
other points, I remind you that these 
standards cover the requirements for 
competent person(s) to make frequent 
visits to job sites, and the requirements 
for employers to train employees in the 
identification and prevention of unsafe 
conditions.
The Instructions also remind com-
pliance officers citations should be 
expedited so that proposed abatement 
measures may be implemented earlier 
to protect employees.
However you want to view it, this new 
NEP for heat illness prevention should 
remind all employers of the significant 
hazard of heat illness, and the fact that 
OSHA, in spite of the fact it has not 
issued a final rule, is taking the hazard 
very seriously.
OSHA SAFETY 
UPDATE: HOT OFF 
THE PRESS!!

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.