제  목 : Department of Labor Helps Workers Cope with Summer Weather,
  일  자 : 1998년 08월
  제공처 : Internet

      Department of Labor Helps Workers Cope with Summer Weather,
    OSHA Offers Cool Tips to Beat Workplace Heat
      ============================================================

  The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  (OSHA) wants to make sure workers have the information they need to cope
  with the heat wave affecting many parts of the country. With rising
  temperatures during the summer months, workers become more vulnerable to
  heat-related injuries and illnesses. Those who don't take precautions could
  suffer rashes, cramps or heat stroke.

  "The heat can be more than uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening," said
  U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman. "Approximately 500 people die
  from heat-related illnesses every year. If workers and employers follow a
  few simple guidelines, we can prevent the kinds of problems that can turn a
  heat wave into a tragedy."

  OSHA suggests the following tips for employers and workers to prevent heat
  -related disorders -- many of which are easily avoided. Simply drinking
  plenty of water and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, for example,
  significantly reduce the risk.

  "Heat disorders affect thousands of American workers each year," said OSHA
  Administrator Charles N. Jeffress. "Using these tips along with a little
  common sense can help workers curb the risk of injury, illness or even
  death."

  OSHA's Top Ten Tips for Staying Cool in Hot Workplaces:

     1.Encourage workers to drink plenty of water (without salt)--about one
       cup of cool water every 15-20 minutes, even if they are not thirsty.
       Avoid alcohol, coffee and tea, which contribute to dehydration.

     2.Help workers adjust to the heat by assigning a lighter workload and
       longer rest periods for the first five to seven days of intense heat.
       And this process needs to start all over again when a worker returns
       from vacation or absence due to illness or injury.

     3.Encourage workers to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored
       clothing. Workers should change if their clothing gets completely
       saturated.

     4.Use general ventilation and spot cooling at points of high heat
       production. Good air flow increases evaporation and cooling of the
       skin. Stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality can induce
       heat-related illnesses.

     5.Train first-aid workers to recognize and treat the signs of heat stress.
       Be sure that all workers know who is trained to render first aid.
       Supervisors also should be able to detect early signs of heat-related
       illness and permit workers to interrupt their work if they become
       extremely uncomfortable.

     6.Consider a worker's physical condition when determining fitness to
       work in hot environments. Obesity, lack of conditioning, pregnancy
       and inadequate rest can increase susceptibility to heat stress.

     7.Alternate work and rest periods, with longer rest periods in a cooler
       area. Shorter, but frequent, work-rest cycles are best. Schedule heavy
       work for cooler parts of the day and use appropriate protective
       clothing.

     8.Certain medical conditions, such as heart conditions, or treatments
       like low-sodium diets and some medications, increase the risk from
       heat exposure. Seek medical advice in those cases.

     9.Monitor temperatures, humidity and workers' responses to heat at least
       hourly.

    10.Learn to spot the signs of heat stroke, which can be fatal. The
       symptoms are mental confusion/loss of consciousness, body temperature
       of 106 degrees, and hot, dry skin. If someone has stopped sweating,
       seek medical attention immediately. Other heat-induced illnesses
       include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, skin rashes, swelling and loss
       of mental and physical work capacity.

  A fact sheet, "Protecting Workers in Hot Environments," is available via
  the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. It can be found on the Publication
  page under Fact Sheets. Single copies of all fact sheets are available by
  calling OSHA Publications, telephone (202) 219-4667.