b'Garys CornerInjury Reporting/Heat StressSite Safety AuditsGary AumanInjury Reporting that OSHA is looking closely at these types of reports and A s I am sure you are aware, OSHAhas amendedthat temporary workers and heat stress are real areas of its injury reporting rules as of January 1, 2015.concern within OSHA.These changes have expanded the occasionHeat Stressin which an employer must make a telephone report toIn the preceding section we saw that heat related OSHA concerning the injury to an employee. The changeillnesses are of significant concern to OSHA. As we has reduced the number of employees hospitalized frommove into thewarm weather months I want you all to one accident that necessitate your calling OSHA to adviseremember to take heat illness very seriously. OSHA has them of the event from three (3) employees to one (1)argued in several recent cases that the heat index, as employee. calculated from the NOAA Chart as well as on the OSHA Beginning January 1, 2015 you are required to notifyheat tool, is for an average worksite. By that comment I OSHA within twenty-four (24) hours of any accident thatam referring to a worksite on which the employee is not results in the hospitalization of one or more employees,working in direct sun and without a moderate breeze. the amputation of any extremity (no matter how minor) or the loss of an eye. The twenty-four (24) hours begins to runYou are required to from the time you (your company) become(s) aware of the loss. The hospitalization must occur within twenty-fournotify OSHA within 24 (24) hours of the accident to make the accident reportable. The obligation to report fatalities has not changed.hrs of hospitalizationFatalities are still reportable within eight (8) hours of their occurrence, or of when you become aware of the fatality.OSHA has taken the position that the NOAA Heat Index As a result of these new injury reporting rules, OSHAtable requires the addition of up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit anticipates that there will be over 25,000 more accidentfor worksites in direct sun, without shade and with little or reports this year than in past years. To accommodateno breeze.this increased number of report, OSHA has established aBe sure your heat illness program is up to date and is protocol for addressing these reports. Of course reportedbeing properly administered. Remember you need all five fatalities will automatically trigger an inspection. Incomponents of the NIOSH Criteria Document on heat additioninspections will occur for accidents in whichillness in order to have the start at a compliant heat stress two or more people are hospitalized; any hospitalizationprogram. involving a worker under 18 years of age; employersThey are:with a know history of similar events having occurred1.Program for acclimatization of new employees in the previous twelve (12) months and repeat offendersor employees back on the high heat index job site (employers with prior willful, failure to abate or repeatafter a period away from work.citations). 2.Protocols to establish a work/rest regimen based In other cases the area director will consider theon the heat index.facts surrounding the report and decide from that review3.Program to ensure that all employees are whether an inspection will be needed or whether a letteradequately hydrated.will be sent to the employer requiring a response within4.Locate a cooling off area with shade and /or air five (5) working days. The questions considered willconditioning in close proximity to the worksite include: and establish procedure for the use of this area.1.Are the employees still being exposed to the5.Train all employees on the dangers of a high heat underlying hazards? index environment, how to identify the symptoms 2.Was the employee exposed to a serious hazardof heat illness in themselves and others and the such as falls and heat stress? first aid steps to take with regards to anyone 3.Were temporary workers injured or made ill? suffering from heat illness.4.Does the employer have a prior OSHA inspection history? Take advantage of a great MRCA member benefit-complimentary 5.Did the incident involve health issues such aslegal advice on OSHA-related issues from MRCA Legal Counsel chemical exposure of high heat? Gary Auman. Contact Gary at GWA@dmfdayton.com.While this is not a complete list, it should confirm 22 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'