Kevin Lindley, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurers Fund
In Florida, it is often said that while we have four seasons, we only experience two types of weather: hot and scalding hot. The humidity in the air causes the temperature to feel warmer than the same temperature would feel in other locations. For this reason, it is imperative that employers, especially those who work outside all day such as roofers, take additional steps to ensure their workers stay well hydrated, are informed to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses and care for themselves to minimize the brutal effects the Florida heat can have on individuals.
Per OSHA regulations, section 29 CFR 1926.51(a), “An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment.” This one regulation is not precise. “Adequate” is a subjective word for OSHA to use; therefore, to determine what an adequate amount of water would be, you must research to discover the quantity necessary. We all know that water is a vital nutrient for proper bodily function. It makes up over 80 percent of blood, roughly 75 percent of muscles and around 25 percent of bones in the human body. Water helps the body regulate its temperature. Not having enough water or losing more than an individual is taking in can cause dehydration that will rapidly decrease normal skills, reduce endurance and impair concentration. Lack of water will cause workers to be less productive, more unorganized and more likely to make mistakes that will place them in danger of self-injury on the job.
The amount of water an individual needs to drink per day is based upon their body weight, environmental temperature and physical activity level. A “one size fits all” is not entirely accurate. In 1945, the US Food and Nutrition Board recommended the average person’s
intake of water should be eight ounces of water eight times a day for a total of two liters of water per day.
In 2017, the European Food Safety Authority reconfirmed the recommendation made in 1945 for water intake, however, this is for an average individual in average temperatures, performing at an average physical activity level. Roofing in Florida, where the temperature, physical activity level and often the individual’s weight is higher than average, it is necessary for more water to be consumed throughout the waking hours of the day.
There is a level at which an individual can consume more water than they necessarily need and fortunately our kidneys help regulate the water for our body. If an individual drinks too much water, they have a higher urgency and frequency to urinate. Adversely, if an individual does not drink enough water, they no longer have a need to urinate and eventually may stop sweating as well. Drinking enough water improves skin complexion and kidney function, reduces kidney stone formation and constipation and decreases bladder infections, among other benefits.
It is important to note that for a contractor to be in full compliance with OSHA regulations, it is not enough to just have an adequate amount of water. If contractors choose to provide workers with a water keg in lieu of water bottles, the water kegs must be sanitized
regularly, be clearly marked to identify the contents as strictly drinking water, single serve cups or individual cups are to be provided as well as a receptacle for disposal of used cups. OSHA has also announced its intention to implement a new heat-related illness standard in the spring of 2022 for working in outdoor and indoor heat environments.
Since heat-related illnesses can quickly become a fatality, it is important for workers to recognize the stages, effects and ways to act against increasing symptoms. Through proper documented training, employers should review with workers annually their responsibilities to prevent, recognize, act and report heat-related illnesses. They should also review annually with all workers the stages of heat illnesses: heat rash, heat cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke as well as discussion points on risk factors, illness symptoms, first-aid procedures, company policies and CPR. It is crucial for field workers to know what to do during the hot summer months when the temperature is at the highest time of the year. Most of the time, workers are isolated on a project and time is of the essence for action to be taken so that, should one of the workers become ill on a project site, they are equipped to take action.
The FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund has professional Safety Consultants throughout the state who are willing to provide Self Insurers Fund members with fall protection training as required by OSHA at no additional cost. To join the FRSA-SIF, please contact us at 800-767-
3772 ext. 200 or visit our website at www.frsasif.com.
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