Beat the Heat: A Safety Game Plan

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Extreme weather is becoming more common, and with summer in full swing, contractors must take steps to protect workers from high heat. Heat-related illnesses can escalate rapidly, particularly in construction and sheet metal environments where physical labor, enclosed spaces, and heat-retaining materials are prevalent. Every facility should have a plan in place for preventing heat illness.

At KPA, we recommend following the three Ps of heat safety:

1. Plan Ahead

The last decade has included the hottest years on record, with rising nighttime temperatures making it harder for workers to recover. Key things to plan for:

• OSHA Heat Priority Days (heat index ≥ 80°F) may trigger unannounced inspections at high-risk sites.
• OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat illness is active and being formalized—now is the time to align your program.
  

2. Prepare Your Program

A comprehensive heat illness prevention plan should include:

• Daily oversight responsibilities
• Acclimatization steps for new and returning workers
• Emergency response protocols
• Engineering controls like ventilation, shade, and hydration
• Training for employees and supervisors
  Note: Indoor heat standards are emerging in states like California for areas over 82°F.
  

3. Practice and Train

Turn your plan into action:

• Designate a heat safety team to monitor conditions and lead responses
• Educate workers on symptoms, risk factors, and safe practices
• Train teams to recognize and respond to the four main types of heat illness: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
  

Extreme heat may be inevitable, but heat illness is preventable—with the right preparation, training, and support. KPA is your partner in safety, compliance, and training. Visit KPA.io for resources tailored to your workforce.

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KPA provides Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) software, EHS consulting services, and award-winning training content for hazardous industries. KPA is dedicated to helping organizations minimize risk so they can focus on what’s important—their core business.