Report on heat-related enforcement cases highlights need for acclimatization to prevent worker deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a report on OSHA's review of 20 heat-related enforcement cases from 2012 to 2013. OSHA's analysis, described in the CDC's Aug. 8 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, suggests that the primary risk factor for heat fatalities is the lack of acclimatization programs. 

Acclimatization is a critical part of preventing heat illnesses and fatalities that enables workers to gradually increase workloads and exposure to heat by taking frequent breaks for water, rest and shade. Of the 13 enforcement cases that involved worker fatalities, nine of the deaths occurred in the first three days of working on the job, and four on the worker's first day. In all 20 cases, heat illness prevention programs were found to be incomplete or absent, and no provision was made for acclimatizing new workers to the heat. For more information on the findings of OSHA's review, see the news release.

For free resources and educational materials about the dangers of working in the heat, visit OSHA's Heat Campaign Web page.