Safe Workplace and Safety News

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Monday, August 04, 2008

California To Investigate Worker Heat Deaths

"Labor officials said Friday they were investigating whether a rash of early season heat waves had caused the deaths of a record number of California workers by summer's peak.

Despite an enforcement push to protect employees toiling in the searing conditions outdoors, 12 people have died of possible heat-related causes in the first seven months of this year alone, according to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health."

The above is from an article in The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.

Half of the fatalities were in agriculture, with the other half at construction sites, in oil fields, while hauling chemicals and working at a warehouse.

California recognized the potential for heat related fatalities early in the year. Health and safety inspectors have be conducting increased inspections, as well as running an increased number of workshops for farm labor contractors.

An article in Saturday's Los Angeles Times goes into more detail and points out that just providing adequate drinking water and shade for rest breaks will make a difference.

Labels: argriculture safety, Construction Safety, hot weather safety