Delaware Company Cited For Dangerous Working Conditions
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently cited a business for exposing employees to heat stress conditions. The citation came as a result of a July 28 incident that left an employee hospitalized after performing manual labor during a heat index of 91.2 degrees.
According to Workerscompensation.com, in addition to failing to ensure the safety of its employees, the company failed to report the incident for a week. Erin Patterson, OSHA’s area director in Wilmington, said, “Excessive heat exposure is a serious issue for outdoor workers, particularly on humid days. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that controls are in place to prevent illness.”
While 91 degrees doesn’t sound particularly dangerous, the heat index is a measure of combined heat and humidity. The National Weather Service heat index advises “Extreme Caution” while working in a heat index of 91 or above. OSHA offers a free mobile app for workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at any given location.
Always be aware of your surroundings
Now that the dog days of summer have passed, you might think you have nothing to fear from working in the sun all day – but it highlights an often-overlooked area of workers’ safety. The weather can significantly contribute to workplace safety in any number of ways.
- Wet leaves. As fall approaches, we can expect seasonal storms and flooding during hurricane season. Leaves and other debris can create slipping hazards and can make roads dangerous for people required to drive for a living.
- Snow and ice. As the weather turns colder, snow and ice create their own hazards. Cold weather exposure carries the danger of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Sun glare. Extreme sun glare on outdoor sites can make it hard to see who and what is around you, increasing the chance for accidents, such being hit with heavy objects being carried by coworkers.
- Toxic exposure. If you work in an area with toxic or caustic chemicals, you and your supervisors need to be very aware of how the weather can affect them. Varying temperatures could cause the chemicals to contract and expand, and if their containers are unsafe you could risk exposure.
It is the responsibility of your employer to make sure that these conditions are accounted for and made as safe as possible. You can help prevent accidents by reporting unsafe conditions to your supervisor. If your workplace continuously fails to take appropriate safety precautions and you feel that you are in danger, you can contact OSHA directly.
If you or someone you know was injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Delaware workers’ compensation attorneys can help guide you through a difficult process. Contact the offices of Silverman McDonald & Friedman today for a free consultation to discuss your claim. If you have difficulty traveling to our office, we will meet with you at your home.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.