Dr Rajiv Kumar Jain’s Post

Heat stress is having serious impacts on the safety and health of workers, as they are exposed to higher daily temperatures as well as more frequent and severe heatwaves. New ILO report includes an analysis of national legislation to address heat stress from 21 countries across the world, identifying common provisions for workplace level measures. https://lnkd.in/dWnatgsg

Heatwaves are increasingly becoming more frequent and severe, posing a significant risk to workers. To mitigate the risk of heat stress and exhaustion among workers, companies should provide tools that enable them to report their working conditions. Introducing anonymous and secure reporting technologies can help employers manage heat stress risks and intervene before any issues arise. #PublicHealth #PublicSafety #HeatRisk https://lnkd.in/dXdmPe7h

ILO Heat at work: Implications for safety and health--A global review of the science, policy and practice [25 July 2024] https://lnkd.in/gX8Wvjge or https://lnkd.in/gqySG_Sh [full-text, 106 pages] Heat stress is having serious impacts on the safety and health of workers, as they are exposed to higher daily temperatures as well as more frequent and severe heatwaves. This report includes an analysis of national legislation to address heat stress from 21 countries across the world, identifying common provisions for workplace level measures. Heat stress can immediately impact workers on the job, leading to illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. In the longer term, workers can develop serious and debilitating chronic diseases, impacting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the kidneys.   The number of workers suffering the consequences of excessive heat is alarming and occupational safety and health protections have struggled to keep up.   While provisions in national legislation exist to protect workers from excessive heat, in most cases these are general in nature and do not adequately address the intensifying climate change-related dangers many workers face daily. Some countries are now revising their laws or developing new specific regulations to address heat at work. This report includes an analysis of national legislation to address heat stress from 21 countries across the world, identifying common provisions for workplace level measures.    Contents of the Report: An overview of heat stress at work Global burden of disease from excessive heat at work Global and national action on heat stress at work Workplace action on heat stress Key findings and lessons learned

https://ow.ly/cBle50SJUP5 The ILO report looks at legislative measures in 21 countries worldwide to find common features that can guide the creation of effective workplace heat safety plans. It also describes the key concepts of a safety and health management system to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

Phew, it’s maftin’ out there…..   It seems as if the UK may finally be in line for some sunshine after what feels like an endless and wet winter. However, whenever we are blessed with hot weather, businesses up and down the country are inevitably affected.  Many employees are unaware that there is no statutory minimum or maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK. Instead, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, place a legal obligation on employers to provide employees with a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace, without the need for special clothing.  The Code of Practice issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that the temperature in the working environment should be at least: 16 degrees Celsius; or 13 degrees Celsius, if the job entails 'rigorous physical effort'. This guidance does not differentiate between office and manufacturing environments (which will be vastly different as regards the amount of heat an employee is likely to be subjected to depending on the nature of their work).  To comply with the Regulations an employer should monitor the temperature in the workplace and (having taken into account the nature of the work being undertaken) take the necessary steps to achieve a comfortable working environment for employees.  The guidance does not apply to workplaces (such as a cold storage room) where, by the nature of the work being done, it would be impossible to maintain the suggested minimum temperatures. Again, the onus is placed on the employer to take reasonable steps to ensure that the working environment is as close to the temperature minimum as possible.  There is no guidance as to maximum workplace temperatures. However, following the theme applicable to minimum temperatures, the guidance states that employer must take all reasonable steps to achieve a ‘reasonably comfortable temperature’, and in extremely hot weather ‘fans and increased ventilation’ may be used.  Employers should conduct a thermal risk assessment to determine how temperature fluctuations might affect their staff during hot weather and then take appropriate measures. For free professional Business Advice and support, call Sirius on 01482 893146 or [email protected]  

Check out this article from Safety+Health exploring the relationship between precarious work conditions and injuries. https://hubs.ly/Q02Ssvkf0

A Crucial Step Towards Heat Safety in the Workplace Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a new rule to protect millions of workers from severe health risks of extreme heat—the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.  This initiative, aimed at both indoor and outdoor work settings, stands to safeguard ~36 million workers and significantly mitigate heat-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The proposed rule mandates employers to develop comprehensive injury and illness prevention plans tailored to controlling heat hazards. Key requirements include:  • Evaluation of Heat Risks: Regular assessment of heat risks in the workplace.  • Provision of Drinking Water: Ensuring workers have access to adequate hydration.  • Rest Breaks: Implementation of mandatory rest breaks to prevent overheating.  • Control of Indoor Heat: Measures to manage and reduce heat in indoor work environments.  • Protection for New/Returning Workers: Specific plans for acclimating new or returning workers to high-heat conditions.  • Training Emergency Procedures: Adequate training for workers and immediate action plans for heat emergencies.    Public participation is encouraged once the rule is published in the Federal Register. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gv58KFMd  Integral’s team of industrial hygienists and occupational health and safety professionals has extensive experience in heat stress, human health risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. We are skilled in evaluating heat stress risk among diverse worker populations and helping organizations develop comprehensive plans to prevent injuries and illnesses caused by workplace heat hazards. For inquiries about the new proposed rule or to learn more about our services, please contact A. Michael Ierardi, MES, MS, CIH, CSP or Taylor Burnham.  #OSHA #IH #heatstress #update

Occupational hazards are a harsh reality for many. According to the International Labor Organization, nearly three million workers die every year due to work-related accidents and diseases. The ILO also estimates that 395 million workers worldwide sustain non-fatal work injuries. From slips and falls on cluttered walkways to exposure to toxic chemicals or ergonomic nightmares at our desks, these threats can lurk anywhere. Safeguarding our Well-being and Prioritizing our Safety & Health at Work is so critical for our efficiency and productivity. Occupational hazards result to not just injuries and accidents, but long-term health issues that can impact our well-being and quality of life. Let's advocate for: Regular safety training to equip employees with knowledge and awareness of hazards. Implementation of proper safety protocols for machinery, chemicals, and work practices. Investment in ergonomic solutions to create comfortable and healthy workspaces. Open communication to encourage employees to report safety concerns without fear. Together, we can build workplaces that nurture well-being and productivity. #Worlddayforsafetyandhealthatwork #28thApril #WorkplaceWellness #OccupationalHealth #HealthandSafety

The economic costs of work-related deaths and injuries are sobering reminders of the importance of workplace safety. Beyond the human toll, these incidents strain economies, affecting productivity and resources. However, with greater safety precautions and collective efforts, many of these tragedies can be prevented. Let's prioritize safety in every workplace, investing in training and measures that safeguard workers' well-being and contribute to healthier, more resilient economies. Source: National Safety Council https://bit.ly/3OQwCLU #CorporateSafety #WorkplaceSafety