OSHA and NIOSH Release Heat Safety App to Keep Workers Safe

A Heat Safety Tool app has been updated this week by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The app has been created for users of both iPhones and Androids to provide a clear interface for workers. The app shows workers how they can stay safe when they are out and about in hot weather.

Employers have been finding that the app is extremely beneficial, as it shows workers the current heat index as well as relevant protective measures they can take. Employers have been encouraged to use the app in many workplaces. Wherever a worker is, the heat index will update and it will also show the current risk level. The app will show a forecast throughout the entire workday and show employers how to keep their workers safe. Since the original launch of the app in 2011, more than 450,000 users have downloaded the app. The new app will only function if you download the updated app, as the old app will no longer function in several months. You can download it by visiting this page.

Dangers of Workplace Heat

Weather-related hazards kill workers every year, but statistics have shown that extreme heat causes the most deaths. In fact, every year more than 65,000 employees will seek medical treatment for extreme heat exposure, with close to 20 dying from the exposure. Not only does extreme heat cause death, but it also leads to a decrease in productivity by workers as well as a growing risk for injuries. Dorothy Dougherty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, has commented on the new app, “Workers are most vulnerable in the first few days of working in the heat and the app helps users to calculate risk levels and learn the protective measures they can take to prevent heat illness. Being aware of the risks, gradually building a tolerance, and taking the necessary precautions can keep workers safe and save lives.”

If you are a worker who is working in unsafe conditions, you may have a claim. If you have been exposed to excess heat and your employer has not worked to keep you safe, speak to us today. We are waiting to hear from you.