It is summertime, and it’s hot outside everywhere in the U.S.  As we know, warm temperatures are ideal for optimizing yield of SPF, but these same hot conditions can have a negative affect worker performance, and more importantly, worker safety.

 

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don't drink enough water and proper break periods. You can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

 

In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job. See the OSHA Interactive Map on Heat Illness here.  

 

Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.  For more information on heat illness, please go to the OSHA website on this topic:

•OSHA Main Page for Heat Illness

•OSHA-NIOSH Info Sheet

•OSHA Heat Related Illness and First Aid

•OSHA Heat Related Illness Prevention

Spray foam workers, especially roofing installers as well as insulation contractors working in attics, can be exposed to elevated temperature environments that cause heat illness.  These workplace temperatures are further compounded by the use of PPE including disposable coveralls, gloves and respirators.  It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace with policies in place to eliminate heat related illness.

 

In this webinar, we will review the types and causes of heat illness, and provide strategies SPF contractors to minimize the effects of heat on SPF workers for both roofing and insulation contractors.  The members-only Heat Illness webinar will be held on August 10th from 4 PM to 5 PM ET.  To register, click here.

For more information, contact Rick Duncan, Technical Director, SPFA  rickduncan@sprayfoam.org