The Chairman's Corner

By Shiree Hammer

August 2022

It is hot out there! I recently drove from Parker, AZ through the California desert and thought about all the movers in the 100-plus degree weather. Not ideal moving conditions by any means and could be dangerous if the moving crews are not properly prepared for these hot days. The risk for heat illness becomes greater when the temperature is more than 80 degrees. Did you know California employers are required to take steps to prevent heat illness for their employees? Details of this requirement are in the Code of California Regulations (CCR), Title 8, section 3395. This section of the CCR applies to work activities performed outdoors where environmental risk factors for heat illness are present. The four steps are training, water, shade, and planning. It is important employees are adequately trained about heat illness and its prevention. We expect our moving crews to work as a team when performing a move; however, it is also important they keep an eye out for each other if they see any signs of a heat illness or other health concerns for that matter.

There are several factors that play a role in causing heat-related illnesses: high temperature and humidity, heat from the sun directly, radiant heat from the ground, limited air movement, physical exertion, and poor physical condition to name a few.  I am sure you can visualize your moving crews in these circumstances. Hot trailers and containers are no fun to work in at this time of year.

The most common signs of heat exhaustion are dizziness, headache, nausea, elevated heart rate, and cramping. With heat stroke, you can also experience confusion, fainting, and possible convulsions. During the summer heat, it is important the crews have cold water on them to drink throughout the day, as well as shade and a place to rest and cool down.  Providing education and training is key to keeping the crews safe and helping avoid an emergency.

The Cal/OSHA website has a lot of great material on training and resources to help educate your crews on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of heat illness. Along with the information regarding the proper procedures to take if something were to happen on a job site. Most important though is assuring that adequate water is available daily and that the crews have access to some shade. Water and shade not only help prevent heat illness but can also be crucial in the recovery process should something happen. We still have a couple of months left of the summer rush and this heat so stay cool and hang in there.

August 2022- CMSA Communicator