STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
With daytime temperatures rising across Kentucky, KYSAFE is reminding employers they are legally responsible for protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. The agency describes heat as a recognized occupational hazard that can cause serious illness or even death when employees are not given adequate protections in the workplace. According to KYSAFE, workers can experience heat stress in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Risks can increase when temperatures are high, when there are strong radiant heat sources, when humidity is high or when jobs require strenuous physical activity. To reduce those risks, KYSAFE urges employers to closely monitor workers and ensure they have enough water, regular rest breaks and access to shade when possible. Officials also advise allowing employees time to gradually acclimate, or adjust, to hotter working conditions rather than moving directly into full-duty work in extreme heat.
Being prepared for heat illness emergencies is another key part of workplace safety, KYSAFE said. The agency recommends that employers know the signs of heat-related illnesses, have clear procedures for responding and make sure supervisors and workers understand those steps. KYSAFE encourages employers and workers to learn the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to review heat stress prevention tips available on the agency’s website.
The agency says additional video presentations on occupational heat planning, indoor heat stress and related topics are available on KYSAFE’s website and YouTube channel. Officials note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website is also a resource for information on heat illness and heat stress prevention. KYSAFE says using these tools can help employers meet their legal responsibilities and keep Kentucky workers safer as temperatures climb.
Key Facts
– KYSAFE says employers in Kentucky are legally responsible for protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.
– Heat is described as a recognized occupational hazard that can cause serious illness or death.
– Indoor and outdoor workers can face heat stress from high temperatures, humidity and strenuous activity.
– KYSAFE urges employers to provide water, rest breaks, shade and gradual acclimation to heat.
– Employers are encouraged to prepare for heat illness emergencies and know how to respond.
– KYSAFE and OSHA websites offer guidance on heat exhaustion, heat stroke and prevention tips.
