Heat Stress Rule Proposed

The WA Department of Labor and Industries proposes a new rule to protect workers from heat-related illness when working outdoors in hot weather. The proposal requires employers with employees who work outdoors to:

• Update their safety program to include preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
• Train employees to recognize the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heat-related illness and what to do if someone has symptoms.
• Check the weather forecast and temperatures daily to know when it's hot enough to require preventive measures. There is a table which considers if workers are in direct sun and what they are wearing that indicates the temperature when you need to take preventative measures. 89°F in the direct sun is the trigger for normal work clothing.
• On days when temperatures require preventive measures, increase the volume of water provided to employees and respond to any employee with symptoms of illness.

L&I plans to adopt the rule language on June 4, 2008 after a recent round of public hearings. The rule, if adopted, would become effective on July 5, 2008.  Training materials will be updated pending the outcome of the rulemaking.

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