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Last December, a 41-year-old worker collapsed while harvesting oranges at Alico Farms in Florida. The worker had difficulty talking and appeared disoriented before the collapse, which are symptoms of a heat stroke. The heat index was 92 degrees. After three days in intensive care, the worker died. Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) contend that the death could have been prevented. The employer, Guerrero Ag LLC, now faces $30,651 in proposed OSHA penalties.
Employer did not have a heat illness prevention plan
Guerrero Ag was cited for several OSHA violations. The most serious violation was for exposing workers to hazards associated with high ambient heat. The company was also cited for not providing first-aid training to employees. A less serious citation was issued for failing to report the work-related hospitalization within 24 hours, or within 8 hours of a fatality, which is required under federal law. The company has 15 days to comply with the citations or to contest the findings.
President Biden mobilized government agencies to address extreme heat
Heat-related deaths are far too common in the workplace, especially considering that the fatalities are completely preventable. In 2021, Biden made a statement about the threat of extreme heat, “I am mobilizing an all-of-government effort to protect workers, children, seniors, and at-risk communities from extreme heat.” This included the Department of Labor among other agencies under the federal government. The Department of Labor updated its position the same month, with OSHA implementing an enforcement initiative pertaining to heat related hazards.
How does your business protect your workers?
Heat-related deaths can occur in any industry, both indoor and outdoor, but the workers most affected by the heat tend to be in the construction, maritime, and agriculture industries. OSHA issued this National Emphasis Program on indoor and outdoor heat related hazards to help employers understand what is required to protect employees. As much of the United States is experiencing higher summer temperatures currently, it might be time to review your own plan to prevent worker illnesses from the heat.
