Thousands of workers become ill each year due to heat exhaustion.
In 2012 alone, there were 31 heat-related deaths and 4,120 heat-related illnesses.
To help combat these numbers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched its Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers for a fourth year.
“Heat-related illnesses can be fatal, and employers are responsible for keeping workers safe,” says U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. “Employers can take a few easy steps to save lives, including scheduling frequent water breaks, providing shade and allowing ample time to rest.”
In 2013, OSHA issued 11 heat-related citations, and some of these cases involved the employer and the staffing agency being cited because temporary workers were involved.
What is it?
