Intense heat this week could be danger for outdoor workers

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

With dangerous heat levels expected across the United States this week, OSHA says those numbers have the potential to get worse. 

Given the current conditions, the National Weather Service is advising any Missourians who will have prolonged exposure to the heat to use extreme caution. The ABC 17 News Stormtrack Weather Team is indicating that air temperatures in Mid-Missouri this week are expected to exceed 100 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The high temperatures increase the chances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and place workers who spend most of their time outdoors at a greater risk. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there have been 436 work-related deaths caused by extreme heat since 2011. In 2022, 23 people died due to heat-related illnesses in Missouri alone.  

“Employers have the responsibility to one create a heat protection plan, ensure that the employees are trained and also make sure they’re watching to help prevent the signs and symptoms of heat illness before they actually happen,” Karen Lorek, regional director of the Kansas City OSHA office, told ABC 17 News. 

Symptoms of heat illness include:

• Headache 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness
• Weakness/ Fatigue 
• Irratibalty 
• Confusion 
• Thirst 

According to OSHA data, construction workers had the mos-reported heat deaths between 2017-22, followed by workers in the agricultural industry. 

Under the OSHA Act, employees have a duty to protect their workers. However, the dangers of heat illness are often overlooked. 

California, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon and Washington are the only states that have heat standards for all outdoor laborers. 

Workers getting started on a job are especially at risk. 

“One of the concerns that we have is when you have a worker who is not acclimated or used to the heat, your body can get a heat illness or heat stress quicker than someone who is acclimated,” Lorek said.

According to the United States Department of Labor, 50-60% of outdoor fatalities happen within the first few days of work in hot environments. This is because the body needs to gradually build a tolerance to the heat over time. According to OSHA, it takes an average of 14 days to become acclimated to the heat. 

Occupational risk factors, according to the department, include:

• Heavy physical activity.
• Hot environment conditions.
• Lack of acclimatization (building heat tolerance).
• Wearing the wrong clothing.

However, given the dangerous temperatures recently, even those who are acclimated are at risk. 

“During these temperatures, and these high heat indexes that we're experiencing this week,” Lorek said. “Even a worker who is acclimated to the heat can get overcome by a heat illness quickly - just due to the extreme temperatures.” 

Allowing water breaks, resting, and shade is the easiest way for employers to injuries employers can prevent their workers from suffering heat-related illnesses.

OSHA recommends that those working outside drink a cup of water once every 15 minutes - even if they are not thirsty.