Hot weather is here.  Extreme heat can be dangerous.  Last year, thousands of workers in the United States got sick from exposure to excessive heat on the job, and more than 30 workers died.  These illnesses and deaths can be prevented by taking some simple precautions.

BEAT THE HEAT: THREE SIMPLE STEPS

When working outside during hot weather, remember these three things: 

• WATER:  You need plenty of water throughout the day—every 15 minutes.  Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. 
• REST:  Rest breaks help your body recover.
• SHADE:  Resting in the shade or in air-conditioning helps you cool down. 

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS: KNOW THE SIGNS

It’s important to know the signs of heat-related illness—acting quickly can prevent more serious medical conditions and may even save lives.   

• Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include: confusion, fainting, seizures, very high body temperature and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. CALL 911 if a coworker shows signs of heat stroke. 

• Heat Exhaustion is also a serious illness.  Symptoms include: headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst and heavy sweating. Heat fatigue, and heat rash are less serious, but they are still signs of too much heat exposure. 

If you or a coworker has symptoms of heat-related illness, tell your supervisor right away.  If you can, move the person to a shaded area loosen his/her clothing, give him/her water (a little at a time), and cool him/her down with ice packs or cool water. 

OSHA can help. This year, OSHA and its State Plan partners have launched a nationwide campaign to raise employer and worker awareness of the dangers of heat and how to protect workers.

Visit www.osha.gov for worker fact sheets, worksite posters, and other resources on preventing heat-related illness, in both English and Spanish.  If you have questions, call OSHA.  It's confidential. 

Call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov to learn more about staying healthy in the heat.

VOSH has recently learned of a few cases in which individuals, falsely identifying themselves as DOLI, VOSH or OSHA employees, contact employers threatening fines if they do not purchase specific workplace posters or other materials.  In some instances these individuals have fraudulently conducted inspections and issued citations, attempting and at times successfully forcing employers to write checks to cover fines and penalties on the spot. 

Employers are able to download free of charge the required Virginia Safety and Health poster by visiting http://www.doli.virginia.gov/publications/pdfs/JobSafety_english08web.pdf.  OSHA’s publications, posters, fact sheets, etc. can be ordered through the publications office or, in most cases, downloaded directly from the website.  OSHA’s publications and posters, including the “OSHA Workplace Poster,” are available free of charge to anyone who asks and may be ordered by any of the following methods:

Online:  Visit OSHA’s web publications page at www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list.

Fax:  Send your request via fax to 202-693-2498.

Telephone:  Call 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA) or 202-693-1999.

Mail:  Send your request in writing to: 

U.S. Department of Labor
OSHA Publications Office                                                                                                                              
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room N3101                                                                                       
Washington, D.C. 20210   

Remember to ask for identification when you are unsure of any individual presenting themselves as an employee of DOLI or VOSH.  Employers who feel they have received fraudulent solicitations should contact their nearest regional office.  Contact information can be found by visiting http://www.doli.virginia.gov/offices/doli_offices_locations.html. 

In 2010, there were 264 fall fatalities out of 774 total fatalities in construction.  OSHA has launched a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among workers and employees about the hazards of falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs. 

Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: 



      
                                                        Plan ahead to get the job done safely.

                                                        Provide the right equipment. 

                                                        Train everyone to use the equipment safely. 

OSHA has developed various training tools, posters, fact sheets and other resources for employers to use at their worksite.  Materials are available in both English and Spanish. 

Click here  for educational materials and resources beneficial to both employers and employees.   

In addition, with the support of OSHA's Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America is offering a one-day training program on Fall Protection on July 10 in Washington, D.C. The course, which is free and open to the public, was developed in collaboration with OSHA and reflects OSHA standards and best practices. Topics will include fall protection statistics, OSHA standards, fall hazard identification, fall protection systems and equipment, and training requirements. To register, visit the AGC enrollment page.

Stay tuned for more information as OSHA continues to develop additional information, material and tools.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Voluntary Protection Program.  The 2013 state budget will give DOLI the opportunity to increase the efficiency of VOSH through the addition of up to eight positions to the Voluntary Protection Program.  We will eventually have workers focused on several industries placed all over the Commonwealth. 

We continue to have a number of new companies interested in applying for the VPP in Virginia.  Many new sites and companies have been in contact with our office to investigate their potential participation.  There are now 42 active VPP sites in Virginia. 

Congratulations to our newest VPP STAR site, PGI (Polymer Group Inc.) in Waynesboro, Virginia for their successful certification evaluation. 

Congratulations to the following sites on their recent re-certification as STAR sites: 

Winter 2012 

Integrity Windows & Doors, Inc. in Roanoke, VA
GE Intelligent platforms in Charlottesville, VA
Covanta Energy in Alexandria, VA
Covanta Energy in Fairfax, VA
xpedx Roanoke Division in Salem, VA
Babcock & Wilcox-Power Generation Group in Newport News, VA 

Spring 2012 

Xpedx-Lynchburg
Raytheon Technical Services-Norfolk 

DOLI held its annual VOSH Training Conference at the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond May 15-17, 2012.  Compliance Safety and Health Officers, Industrial Hygienists, Consultants and other members of the DOLI team came together to receive training and updates.  Commissioner Malveaux and Assistant Commissioner Burge were on hand to provide opening remarks.  Michael Penn, Chief of Compliance for Maryland OSH presented on the installation of underground heating system hazards and Jack Sullivan from ASSE presented on fire protection and fire department operations.  Robert Bailey, Division Chief, Virginia Marshall Academy provided an extensive overview of fire investigations.  Headquarters staff provided updates to VOSH staff from regional offices.  It was a productive session giving VOSH staff the opportunity to network with subject matter experts, headquarters staff and each other. 

The Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association held its 2012 Region III Chapter Conference June 20, 2012 – June 22, 2012 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Participants were given the opportunity to attend a variety of educational workshops, including an OSHA General Industry 10-hour Course, network with colleagues, and visit vendor booths.  The chapter conferences offer occupational safety and health professionals, hourly workers, employers and government officials the opportunity to gather and exchange best practices at a local level.  Attendees received many new ideas to refresh safety programs in an efficient yet cost-effective manner.