Earlier this month, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (OSHAB) announced that outdoor job sites must contain accessible potable drinking water. Water must be placed within close proximity to where employees work. It was determined that outdoor workplace drinking water must be located “as close as practical” to areas where employees are working, which encourages frequent hydration.
On February 6th, 2023, OSHAB clarified that the term “as close as practicable” in terms of providing water to prevent heat illness means that the water must be as close as reasonably can be accomplished to encourage frequent water consumption. Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces or job sites. Although exposure to heat is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and in some cases, it’s fatal. Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to gradually tolerate the heat over time. The Occupational Medicine and Wellness center states that workers should drink five to seven ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent dehydration.
Help Your Employees!
If you have employees that are working endless hours outside, especially in the heat, it’s essential that you take steps to prevent them from getting injured on the job. Providing your workers with easy access to water while on the job site is one of the easiest steps you can take to protect your workers. Our safety experts ensure you remain compliant and take every step possible to protect your biggest asset – your employees. Interested in learning more? Contact us today.