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SAFETY MOMENT, MAY 31

Water close to the work

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Safety moment, May 31

Water close to the work

Summer brings long days, high heat, strong sun, storms, bugs and new seasonal workers who do not know the site yet. Heat illness can come on fast, and a tired, overheated worker is more likely to make mistakes. There is no final federal OSHA heat standard, but water must be provided and the general duty to train still applies. Some states have their own heat rules, so check yours.

SAFETY MOMENT

May 31

The hazard

Summer brings long days, high heat, strong sun, storms, bugs and new seasonal workers who do not know the site yet. Heat illness can come on fast, and a tired, overheated worker is more likely to make mistakes. There is no final federal OSHA heat standard, but water must be provided and the general duty to train still applies. Some states have their own heat rules, so check yours.

The action

An adequate supply of potable water must be provided at every place of employment. Keep it close to the work, not back at the trailer, and drink small amounts often, even before you feel thirsty. Rest in the shade when you can, and watch each other for headache, dizziness, cramps or confusion. (29 CFR 1926.51(a)(1))

ASK THE CREW

Where are the water and shade on this job, and how far are they from the work?

From the talk: Summer safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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