OSHA Launches National Emphasis Program
to Protect Workers from Heat
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OSHA is launching a targeted National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect workers across the nation from the increasing threat of heat-related illness. This NEP is effective as of April 8th and will remain in effect for three years unless canceled or extended by a superseding directive.
OSHA’s NEP creates, for the first time, a nationwide enforcement mechanism for OSHA to proactively inspect workplaces for heat-related hazards in general industry, maritime, construction or agricultural operations where hazardous exposures to heat (outdoors and indoors) are a factor. This means that OSHA can now launch heat-related inspections on high-risk worksites before workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses or fatalities.
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The NEP encourages employers to protect workers from heat hazards by providing access to water, rest, shade and adequate training and by implementing acclimatization procedures for new or returning workers. It contains both outreach/compliance assistance and enforcement components.
The NEP establishes heat priority days when the heat index is expected to be 80°F or higher. On heat priority days:
- OSHA will initiate compliance assistance in the targeted high-risk industries.
- OSHA will also inspect any alleged heat-related fatality, catastrophe, complaint or referral regardless of whether the worksite falls within a targeted industry.
OSHA will conduct pre-planned inspections in targeted high-risk industries on any day that the National Weather Service has announced a heat warning or advisory for the local area.
OSHA also recognizes that many businesses want to do the right thing by developing heat illness prevention plans to keep their workers safe. On heat priority days, OSHA field staff will engage in proactive outreach and compliance assistance to support employers in their efforts to prevent heat illness.
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What are the factors that create a heat hazard? |
On the job heat exposure is a combination of many factors. Body heat is the balance between heat gain, internal work and outside condition, and heat loss (i.e., sweat evaporation). Factors include:
- Physical activity
- Air temperature
- Humidity
- Sunlight
- Heat sources (e.g., ovens or furnaces, heat-absorbing roofs, and road surfaces)
- Air movement
- Clothing that hampers the body's ability to lose excess heat, such as protective gear
- Individual/personal risk factors, (e.g., pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle)
Employers should consider all factors that can increase body temperature when determining if a heat hazard is present. Download the NIOSH/OSHA Heat App [iOS or Android] to calculate heat exposure.
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How to Recognize and Prevent Heat Hazards |
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Heat-related illnesses can be prevented if employers and workers commit to recognizing and managing heat hazards:
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Learn the best practices in crane and derrick operation using the OSHA Cranes and Derricks in Construction Rule as a guide, including maintenance, repair and inspection requirements.
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Participants will learn about emergency action and fire prevention plans and when they are required for a workplace; elements of a good evacuation plan and OSHA requirements for plans; and design and maintenance features of good exit routes.
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This class covers the requirements for the safe construction and use of scaffolding using OSHA's Construction Scaffold Standard as a guide. Topics include types of scaffolds and hazards associated with scaffold design, assembly, disassembly and use.
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This 1-day class is designed to assist employers in identifying and fulfilling their responsibilities for maintaining and posting records of illnesses and injuries and reporting specific cases to OSHA.
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Learn to recognize, evaluate, prevent and abate safety and health hazards associated with confined space entry. This class features practice with permit entry classification and program evaluation.
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Learn industrial hygiene practices and related OSHA regulations and procedures. Topics include recognition, evaluation and control of chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic hazards.
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This course covers Federal OSHA policies, procedures and standards, and general industry safety and health principles and is the prerequisite to OSHA #501. See full course description
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IN-PERSON CLASSES
Physical distancing and safety guidelines followed, and class sizes are reduced. Proof of vaccination status is required in Pleasanton. Read Full Course Policy
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ONLINE ZOOM CLASSES
In Region IX OSHA numbered Virtual, Instructor-Led classes offered via Zoom are only available to participants located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Call 866-936-6742 if you are unsure if this applies to you.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Employers are encouraged to join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Times of uncertainty can add stress and anxiety that affect employees’ mental health. Learn how to develop mental health safety programs to help workers get the resources they need. Learn More
OSHA is joining with other organizations to help support mental health awareness in the workplace and throughout the community.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness, provides support, educates the public and advocates for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Learn More
Mental Health America (MHA) provides foundational knowledge about mental health and mental health conditions and information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern. This year MHA is reaching out to millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. Learn More
Since suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the U.S., OSHA is placing particular importance on suicide prevention by offering a wide array of resources and links to mental health services and support. Learn More
If you're in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time to speak with someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for all in the U.S. call 1-800-273-8255.
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Alameda County Fairgrounds Convention Center Hall A
4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, California (MAP)
Show Dates: May 17 & 18, 2022
May 17, Tuesday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
May 18, Wednesday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Conference Hours:
May 17, Tuesday: 9:00am – 2:15pm
May 18, Wednesday: 9:00am – 1:45pm
Networking Luncheon:
May 17, Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
FREE BEER, WINE, SOFT DRINKS AND FOOD
Where To Begin When You’ve Been Given The “Safety Hat” At Your Facility
– Addie Hosier, May 17 at 10:15 am
OSHA's Requirements for Emergency & Evacuation Planning
– Mary Ann Henriques, May 18 at 11:30 am
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Learn More About Upcoming OSHA Classes |
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5860 Owens Drive
3rd Floor
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 866-936-6742
Fax: 925-460-0133
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For additional information, email us at otc@clpccd.org or call 866-936-6742.
The recommendations in this newsletter are advisory in nature, informational in content, and intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.
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