OSHA Does not Think That Heat is a Health Concern
By Jerry Walch, 16th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutNewsHealth
The United States is in the midst of another heat wave. All across the nation seasonal high are being broken almost daily. Public health and safety advocates are pleading with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to finally issue a rule protecting workers from extreme heat. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended a heat standard in 1972 but OSHA has yet to implement it. Does that mean that workers dying of heat strokes is not a concern?
- Death of workers from heat related causes is on the rise.
- OSHA will not issue a ruling that forces employers to implement a heat standard for their employees.
- Placating the Political Action Groups.
- A petition is circulating.
- Doctor Sammy Almashat's recommendations.
- What can you do to help?
Death of workers from heat related causes is on the rise.
According to Public Citizen, a National Consumer Advocacy Group with headquarters in Washington D.C., 563 farm and construction workers have died over the last 20 years and another 46, 000 have suffered serious injuries precipitated by the heat. Doctor Thomas Bernard, who reviewed a proposed NIOSH heat standard back in 1986 told a reporter that, “These deaths are completely preventable with just a few, inexpensive interventions, some of which have already been implemented in several states. The time is long overdue for a federal heat stress standard that will protect workers from dangerous heat exposure.” Failure to act on OSHA's part leaves farm workers, construction workers, and other outdoor workers unprotected. Failure to implement a heat standard by OSHA borders on the criminal negligent.
OSHA will not issue a ruling that forces employers to implement a heat standard for their employees.
Why not? They fine employers for making their employees work under other unsafe conditions. What is the difference between an employee dying of a heat stroke or some other medical condition brought on by the heat, or an employee dying from a fall because his employer did not supply him or her with the proper safety harness? None! Absolutely none!
Placating the Political Action Groups.
They, OSHA, are engaging in a stalling action. While OSHA is not issuing a rule to force employers to adopt a heat standard it has launched an education and outreach campaign to inform employers of the dangers of extreme heat. What good is that if the employers will not be forced to abide by it. I think that Dr. Sammy Almashat, a researcher with Public Citizen’s Health Research Group explains it best. “Employers aren't held accountable for complying with the recommendations of this campaign. There needs to be a standard. The federal government isn’t dragging its feet because it’s not feasible or the science isn't there. This is a case where they are deliberately dragging their feet on a standard in order to placate industry.”
A petition is circulating.
In a response to a petition launched by Public Citizen, United Electrical Workers, and Farm-worker Justice calling on OSHA to implement an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for extreme heat, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels wrote that “OSHA agrees exposure to extreme heat can lead to death; however workers with adverse health effects from heat exposure experience dehydration, cramps, and exhaustion, and other affects and are able to recover fairly quickly when the appropriate measures are taken.” take note of the words “able to recover fairly quickly when the appropriate measures are taken.”
Doctor Sammy Almashat's recommendations.
Let the doctor explain it in his own words. “Some farm workers and construction workers work for hours on end and there are no accommodations for rest breaks. This is what commonly leads to heat deaths. We are asking for rest breaks in proportion to the temperature outside as well as employers being required to provide workers with a certain amount of water every hour. This does not require some sort of a technological breakthrough. It’s very easy and inexpensive.”
What can you do to help?
If you would like to help Public Citizen in this fight, click here to donate.
Resources:
Public Citizen
Comments
16th Jul 2012 (#)
Kudos to you Jerry for being pro-active regarding this very important issue. It is indeed as sad state of affairs when a government agency whose mission is worker safety works instead against worker safety.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Our government as a whole, not just OSHA, has fallen into a sad state of affair, my friend. As I told Johnny, if our mutual friend hadn't got me so pi--ed off, I really wouldn't have started looking for these kind of things to write about. She did open my eyes, but not in the way she would have liked too.
Thank you for moderating, reading, and commenting Steve.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
A heated discussion on the heat problem faced by US.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
A very catchy comment, Ramalingam :-)) Thank you for reading and commenting.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Lord have mercy, do not get me started on OSHA, what a crock! They are usually about as useful (also bought) as the UN and to this women, that is not saying much. Heat is also extremely (I know, I have worked in a few factories here) hard in many factories, the heat being what it is in the deep south, hot machines going on, you need to fill your quote and it is just not a good mix. Jerry, one day I will tell you about what I really think of OSHA and how they could have prevented a life time of pain my son now has to live with, with no compensation in the end by the way, such a sad case. If they had only been doing their job. Nice piece and great awareness for those workers that have to endure such intensive and one too many times, deadly heat. As always, thank you for sharing.:)
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Good morning, dear heart. I thought you had left me. Haven't heard hide or hair from you in a month of Sundays. I look forward to hearing that story. Thanks for reading and the detailed comments. Have a great day and a great week.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Jerry, it has just been a bit crazy around here and as I sit here, I am trying to get Tristan to take a nap, one which he refuses to take, lordy the two's.LOL
I did finally get a new camera a few weeks back, I was ready to start getting back on track this week, only to have to wait until next week. I have been watching our grandson a lot over the last week and will do so this week, his uncle (His mama's brother, he was 18) killed himself last week and the family is very upset, as you can imagine. So Dan and I have been trying to help by watching Tristan. Just a awful scene. At least my spanish is improving, as he just loves Dora the explorer but, I go to sleep hearing the opening dit, dit, dit, dit Dora, I could imagine worst fates (at least my kids and grandchild did not go through the Barney phase), so I will be fine.LOL
Also, our son was in a accident Saturday night and he was banged up pretty bad, the car is demolished, he is on bed rest and out of work for a week. The car wreck was not his fault, a few 17 year old kids crossed over to his lane and caused him to swerve trying to miss them, when another car struck him. My muscles are screaming but, I will be fine, in time. Tristan is up and about so I better go, he will take a nap!:)
Maybe I will join him, I am pooped. Have a great day.:)
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Sorry to hear about all the problems you guys have had. Definitely sounds like you could use a nap, a nice long nap. I'm just glad that you're not upset with me...I thought you might be after I came to Steve's defense over that one comment you made on one of his articles.
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
*quota
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17th Jul 2012 (#)
No I will have to go check out which one it is, as I would like to respond back, if need be. I have him in bed, after a very long afternoon. I thought I would write some but I am just not in the mood. Have a wonderful night.:)
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Hi Jerry another great and important article one that needs to be read by all. As for "OSHA" all they are is an unelected pompous Quango set up by the government to feed its faithful party cronies. No faith in them what soever. Great article enjoyed the read
Best Wishes
Steve
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16th Jul 2012 (#)
Good morning Steve. First, thank you for adding a new word to my vocabulary. I had never heard the term "Quango" before and had to look it up.
Thank you also for reading and commenting. Have a great day and a great week, Steve.
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15th Aug 2012 (#)
The summers are getting hotter and longer....tough to work out there.
Sometimes drinking plenty of fluids isn't enough.
Thanks Jerry
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15th Aug 2012 (#)
Thank you for reading and commenting weatherguval.
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15th Aug 2012 (#)
Thanks for reading and commenting weatherguyal
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