Summer safety strategies in the face of extreme weather
As the summer months approach, workplaces prepare for rising temperatures and the associated difficulties that come with maintaining safety – both indoors and outside. While employers often prioritize heat stress prevention, they need to be on the lookout for a variety of weather-related hazards. From the threat of wildfire smoke to the unpredictability of tornadoes and hurricanes, implementing strong summer safety protocols becomes paramount. By proactively addressing these various weather dangers, employers can successfully mitigate risks and safeguard the health and safety of their workforce.
Wildfire smoke
Wildfires have become a major concern for much of the country in recent years. Once ignited, a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and challenging terrain means these fires may get out of control very quickly and burn hundreds of thousands of acres of land. The resulting smoke that fills the air presents a health risk to outdoor workers from the accompanying chemicals, gases, and soot.
Even though Federal OSHA doesn’t have a comprehensive regulation for wildfire smoke, employers still have a legal obligation under the General Duty Clause to protect their workers from exposure to unhealthy levels of smoke emissions. EPA has stated that harmful amounts of particulate matter occur when the air quality index (AQI) reaches 151 or higher. To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, OSHA suggests the following protective measures:
- Frequently monitoring air-quality conditions;
- Relocating or rescheduling work tasks to smoke-free areas;
- Reducing levels of physical activity, especially strenuous and heavy work;
- Requiring and encouraging workers to take breaks in smoke-free places when possible;
- Making accommodations, when possible, for employees to work inside with proper ventilation systems and high-efficiency air filters;
- Providing or allowing NIOSH-approved respirators for voluntary use when not otherwise required; and
- Ensuring that worker training, if any, is provided in a language that workers can understand.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning. They bring intense and often destructive winds. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains, the Midwest, and the Southeast, they have been reported in all 50 states. OSHA doesn’t have a standard for tornadoes or require a severe weather shelter. Instead, they provide preparedness guidance, which includes:
- Knowing the difference between a tornado watch (i.e., tornado activity is possible in your area) and tornado warning (i.e., a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, take shelter immediately);
- Developing emergency procedures as part of a facility emergency action plan (EAP) ;
- Identifying shelter locations such as a basement, interior room, or hallway on the lowest floor possible, away from windows, doors, and outside walls;
- Establishing an alarm system to warn workers;
- Accounting for workers, visitors, and customers as they arrive in the shelter;
- Equipping shelter locations with emergency supplies;
- Training workers to know what to do in case of an emergency;
- Practicing shelter-in-place plans on a regular basis; and
- Updating plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are capable of causing severe damage to businesses and communities near the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Southwestern United States. Similar to tornadoes, OSHA doesn’t have a specific standard for hurricanes, but rather provides preparedness guidance, including:
- Being familiar with the warning terms used for hurricanes, including hurricane watch (i.e., a hurricane is possible) and hurricane warning (i.e., a hurricane is expected within 24 hours);
- Having an evacuation plan as part of a facility EAP;
- Equipping shelter locations with emergency supplies (if unable to evacuate);
- Training workers to know what to do in case of an emergency;
- Practicing evacuation plans on a regular basis; and
- Updating plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.
Key to remember
During the summer months, employers should be aware of the various weather-related hazards that may impact their employees and proactively develop the appropriate safety protocols.
