It’s a phrase we hear often. It’s a phrase we might even use. It gets used in the heat of summer at the beach and it gets used in the depths of winter. It’s seldom asked in a serious manner. In the workplace, however, it takes on a different meaning. All too often a very serious meaning even when asked in jest. Another oft used phrase is the “dog days of summer” referring to it being so hot all you can do is sit or lay there and pant. Typically those days didn’t occur until August but they’ve been arriving earlier in the year for many years now. And they’re lasting longer and are higher temperatures and humidity than in the past.
When we’re out at the beach, or park, or swimming, or skiing, or skating or other recreational pastime we can choose to stay or go. It’s up to us to dress properly and be prepared for what might confront us while we’re actively pursuing our hobbies. But when we’re at work our employer is responsible for our work environment and how it affects our ability to work safely and remain healthy.
Whether one accepts that climates are changing or believes that it’s a part of the natural cycle of weather patterns there are a number of hazards workers are facing now that were not as severe or as common just a few decades ago. Workers are now experiencing higher high temperatures for longer stretches than before. At the same time many areas the amount of snow fall during winter months &/or rain has greatly declined while temperatures reach new lows/highs and for longer periods than in the past. This leads to a more arid climate and more extreme temperatures.
For a number of years now WisCOSH has advocated for a workplace standard covering the temperature of the work environment. Because of such advocacy by and on behalf of workers by COSH, unions and other worker advocates OSHA began the process of making a standard to protect workers from death and serious injury from exposure to the hazards presented by extreme temperatures. A couple of times we were certain we were about to get a protective standard. UPDATE: Unfortunately the current Congress has decided to try to pass legislation (House HR 6213) that would preclude OSHA from ever issuing a standard covering working temperatures.
Because of this WisCOSH has begun working with WI state legislators, workers, unions and concerned businesses to pass legislation to protect all workers in WI. Some states have already passed their own version of the OSHA proposed Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Standard. WisCOSH recognizes that we experience both ends of the temperature extremes and that there are jobs that may experience temperature extremes regardless of the season. Wisconsin has many food service workers from those working directly with farm animals and crops to those that butcher, package, transport, sell, prepare and serve the meat, poultry, fish and other foods. As is readily recognizable Wisconsin also has many construction workers that work year round whether working road construction/repair, house or commercial building construction or remodeling. Garbage & recycling pickup. Street plowing. To name just a few of the workers exposed to extreme temperatures on the job.
WisCOSH has in the past assisted workers to achieve many workplace protections at the state level they did not have at the federal level at the time. However, WisCOSH cannot do this work all on it’s own. We need your help. There are many actions and activities you are invited too participate in that will make a huge difference in so many workers lives. Please scan the QR Code to join WisCOSH‘s Extreme Temperature Working Committee. You’ll then receive information on how you can help, give feedback on how and where to meet and coordinate actions.