Roofing worker
Roofing worker

In an effort to reduce heat-related illnesses and injuries for workers, the State of Arizona is stepping up the rate of workplace inspections for employers in high-exposure industries.


On July 17, 2023, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)



announced



the launch of a “



state emphasis program


” (SEP) focused on “high heat” industries such as construction and agriculture. One provision of the SEP calls for inspections on any day that the National Weather Service has announced a heat warning or advisory for the local area.

Arizona employers in any industry that involves outdoor work (or work in non-cooled spaces) should pay special attention to heat safety measures in order to create a safe working environment and avoid inspection violations.

The following steps can help you comply:

  • Resources


    . Provide cold potable water, sufficient rest, and shaded rest areas; encourage workers to wear lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing; and provide access to cooling vests or other personal cooling devices to help regulate body temperature.

  • Heat safety training


    . Conduct heat safety training for outdoor workers before they begin their duties. The training should cover preventive measures, emergency-response procedures, and common signs and symptoms of heat-related health conditions, so that workers can be alert to and recognize the early signs in themselves and co-workers.

  • Heat stress monitoring


    . Regularly monitor weather conditions and heat-stress levels in the workplace and be proactive in assessing risks and implementing appropriate measures to protect workers from extreme heat.

  • Supervision.



    Ensure that supervisors are well-informed about heat safety measures and actively monitor employees for signs of heat-related stress. Encourage open communication between workers and supervisors regarding any discomfort or health concerns.

  • Written plans.



    Employers may submit plans to ADOSH for review, to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injuries. These plans should reflect the preceding compliance and prevention steps.



Following the recommended steps will not only help you provide a better working environment; it can also protect you from potentially serious financial consequences, such as:

  • reduced productivity from ill or injured employees and their co-workers;

  • mandatory workplace shutdowns; and

  • significant fines from ADOSH, including “failure to abate” fines that can accrue daily.



If you have any questions about whether your employee policies adequately protect your workers from high-heat conditions and help your company comply with the heightened ADOSH inspections, contact your attorney or your human resources or worker safety professional.

See also: