If someone cannot be at all locations, which is understandable, you should train all employees on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and monitor each other. You should also devise a method of immediate information sharing to supervisors so your plan can be activated, even remotely.
Prevention. This is always the key when it comes to hazard exposure. Several things are in play that create occupational heat stress exposures to workers. Consider the following: Sequential days of high heat, high humidity, sunlight, and airspeed (wind). You must also be mindful of external factors such as heat-producing equipment, like generators, welding operations, and exhaust.
The level of activity expected of the employee while in this environment and the type of clothing and personal protective equipment the employee must wear has to be evaluated as contributing key factors. Also, consider any risk factors each individual employee may possess such as heart issues, diabetes, drug and/or alcohol use, prior heat-related illnesses, medications, age, and experience in that work environment.
OSHA’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) states employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that "is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” This is the federal standard by which heat-related illnesses would most likely be cited under Federal OSHA. However, there are three states, California, Minnesota, and Washington that have specific OSHA-Approved State Plans with their own standards to abide by regarding heat. If these are your states, please see your state’s specific plan and learn the threshold temperature required to enact your plan.
This summer has already shown itself to be gearing up for severe weather. By mid-June horrible tornadoes and very high heat have already been present. Unfortunately, with these weather events, injuries and fatalities have already both been reported. Let this be a reminder to take high heat seriously and look after your employees and contractors working.
Working in the heat is no joke and it can be life threatening. Make sure your contractors have a plan for heat safety and that they train their employees. Provide water, rest, and shade, allow for acclimatization, create a plan of action, and monitor each other. Plan, supervise, and prevent. It’s a good idea to ask them to document the training and give you a copy so that you know it’s been done. Stay safe out there and look after one another.
OSHA advises employers to create a heat-illness prevention plan and gives guidelines to get employers started. This full plan can be found at https://www.osha.gov/heat/employer-responsibility.