OSHA Concerned For Outdoor Workers During Heat Wave
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- They call that hot, scorching period between July and early September the "dog days of summer." And with this season comes some major risks.
"Yes, in a few cases, people come in being in the heat all day and they feel lightheaded, they feel a little weak; just don't really feel like things aren't really right," said Dr. Steve Guyton, of West Penn Hospital. "They come in and they're dehydrated."
The staff at West Penn Hospital is well-versed on the signs of heat-related illnesses.
"Lightheaded, mouth dry, feel a little bit weak, just not right," Dr. Guyton said. "You may feel like you just don't have any energy, like your just tired for some reason, and those are the things you feel when you get a little bit dehydrated or overheated."
Those affected the most by these unbearable hot days: the elderly, children and those working outside.
That's who the National Occupational Safety and Health Administration is worried about.
"There has been thousands of heat illness-related injuries that has occurred during the summertime months, and OSHA feels that it's important to get the message out there," said Chris Robinson, the area director for OSHA.
This is the second year OSHA has gotten that message out, including using a website and a free heat-safety app.
"When you combine the temperature outdoors with the humidity, it'll give you the heat index and once that is calculated for you, you can actually look at some of the recommended controls for working within the heat," Robinson said of the app.
OSHA's focus is on water, rest and shade.
For more information on OSHA's app, visit www.osha.gov/heatapp.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued another Heat Advisory in effect from noon through 8 p.m. Thursday.
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