Heat Stress in the Workplace: Updates from Oregon OSHA
Workplace heat stress or heat-related illnesses and injuries are dangerous conditions resulting from employees being exposed to extreme heat or high levels of humidity in their working environment. Every employer, supervisor, owner, and manager has a responsibility to monitor and prevent heat stress in the workplace.
Oregon OSHA Updates for Preventing Workplace Heat Stress
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) published an update to its rules for heat illness prevention. Effective June 15, 2022, OAR 437-002-0156 requires Oregon employers in workplaces where weather-related heat can expose workers to the dangers of heat stress to implement preventative measures when the heat index equals or exceeds 80°F.
OR-OSHA’s new regulations are based on the National Weather Service’s heat index, which is a measurement that indicates what the temperature feels like to the human body, taking into account both the temperature and humidity level of the air.
Heat Stress Monitors for Oregon Employers
To protect Oregon workers, supervisors must monitor heat conditions in the workplace. Employers in industries such as trucking, agriculture, construction, firefighting, or others that are at a higher risk of exposure to extreme heat should consider installing a heat stress monitor in the work environment or providing employees with personal heat stress monitors.
TSI QUESTemp Datalogging Heat Stress Monitors
TSI QUESTemp Datalogging Heat Stress Monitors are easy-to-use instruments that can measure and analyze heat stress exposure in the workplace. These products calculate temperature, relative humidity, heat index, humidity index, and more in both inside and outside environments. Additionally, they can be programmed to provide real-time guidance on heat stress prevention methods like work/rest regimens and stay times.
The TSI QUESTemp line of heat stress monitors are ideal for installing in a workplace environment to continually monitor for signs of heat stress.
Slate Safety BANDV2 Personal Heat Stress Monitor
The Slate Safety BANDV2 Personal Heat Stress Monitor measures data such as heart rate, core body temperature, and exertion and provides real-time alerts when unsafe thresholds of these measurements are reached. This easy-to-use technology allows you to set alert thresholds of your choosing and view how your team is doing at any time and on any device.
With this type of early warning system in place, you can better monitor for signs of heat stress and prevent heat-related illness and injury.
Rent High-Quality Heat Stress Monitoring Equipment at RAECO Rents
At RAECO Rents, we have the latest heat stress monitoring equipment for industry professionals. Our goal is to provide you with the devices you need to quickly and accurately monitor heat in both indoor and outdoor workplace environments. With the data provided by our heat stress monitors, you can take action to protect your employees and help prevent heat injury according to OR-OSHA standards.
When you rent equipment from RAECO Rents, you will receive clean, operable, high-quality instruments. With our Instant-On guarantee and after-hour support, we are determined to make your rental experience easy.
Contact our rental service team today to get help finding high-quality heat stress monitoring equipment.
