OSHA recently updated its national emphasis program related to heat stress, identifying 55 industries at highest risk for heat-related hazards, including automotive repair. This is a timely reminder for members to take steps to prevent these types of illnesses in the coming months.

Heat-related injuries can be very serious and even deadly, making it crucial to establish a plan of action that is implemented whenever the heat index (a combination of air temperature and relative humidity) is above 80 degrees.

OSHA guidance for heat illness prevention plans includes:

• The plan should be written, rather than verbal.
• Employees should be trained in heat illness prevention practices.
• Cold beverages should be supplied to keep employees hydrated.
• Workers should have access to air-conditioned break spaces.
• Employees and conditions should be monitored on an ongoing basis.
• Cooling personal protection equipment (PPE) should be supplied.

NHADA Loss Prevention can assist with the development and implementation of a heat illness prevention plan and has made a heat-related illness prevention training course available online to raise awareness of the dangers posed by extreme heat and how to avoid getting sick in hot weather.

The brief training presentation covers the types of heat illnesses, symptoms to watch for and steps to take to stay safe. The training also covers requirements of OSHA’s proposed standard for heat exposure (which includes employee training).

Due to the serious nature of heat illnesses, NHADA Loss Prevention strongly recommends members take steps to keep employees safe, including sharing this important training information. The online training is quick, convenient and includes a short quiz. Contact your Loss Prevention Representative for assistance. You can also enroll employees online for the Heat Related-Illness Prevention Training.