The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a free mobile application that allows workers to monitor the heat index at work sites in an effort to avoid heat-related illnesses.
"Summer heat presents a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable workers in our country, and education is crucial to keeping them safe," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Heat-related illnesses are preventable. This new app is just one way the Labor Department is getting that message out."
By combining health index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the user's location, the app, which is available in English and Spanish, reveals the necessary protective measures and provides information about precautions that should be taken, such as drinking fluids, taking rest breaks and adjusting work operations.
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App users also can review the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses as well as learn what to do in an emergency. Information on gradually building up the workload for new workers is available for supervisors, and the app also explains how to train employees on heat illness signs and symptoms. Users can directly contact OSHA through the app, as well.
The current app is designed for an Android platform; however, BlackBerry and iPhone versions will soon be available. To download it, visit http://go.usa.gov/KFE.
In 2010, more than 30 workers died from heat stroke while thousands suffer from heat exhaustion and other heat illnesses each year. Construction workers, farmworkers, roofers, landscapers, baggage handlers and other air transportation workers are exposed to some of the highest illness rates.
Employers should protect employees by providing plenty of water, scheduling rest breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces, planning heavy work early in the day, preparing for medical emergencies, training workers about heat and other job hazards, helping workers acclimate to the heat, and gradually increasing workloads or allowing breaks more often during the first week of an outdoor project.
"OSHA's prevention message is clear: Water. Rest. Shade. These are three little words that make a big difference for outdoor workers during the hot summer months," says Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels.
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