??? Safeguarding Lives in the Heat: The Collective Call for a Safety-First Culture

There are more deaths associated with heat in the United States than tornadoes, floods, and cold temperatures. Between 2010 and 2019, over 4,100 people died from heat-related causes in the United States. Texas, California, and Arizona accounted for nearly half of these deaths.?

Hello Glass Half Full Readers,

Texas House Bill 2127 has recently been in the news for ending local regulations that mandate water breaks for construction workers. To provide some context, this legislative change specifically impacts the two cities in Texas with mandates - Austin and Dallas, which together make up 7.76% of the Texas population.

House Bill 2127 has become a focal point of discussions, primarily due to its stance on terminating the mandate for 10-minute water breaks every 4 hours. However, this bill also serves as a catalyst for initiating conversations and raising awareness about a critical concern. Across the nation, heat-related fatalities, mainly stemming from heat strokes and illnesses, have been silently claiming lives.

Heat-related illnesses or fatalities are not just confined to specific cities; they are part of a broader cultural context that has an impact on communities, sports, workplaces, and government policies.

Culture is often the invisible hand that guides behavior.

Culture plays a significant role in shaping behavior, especially in the context of safety. Safety culture includes the values, beliefs, and standards that emphasize the importance of protecting oneself and others. A robust safety culture involves a shared commitment to safety and taking active steps to identify and address risks.

When safety is compromised, whether in teams, communities, or businesses, there can be adverse effects on various aspects, including relationships, morale, retention, productivity, quality, reputation, responsibility, and bottom-line revenue. It is essential to recognize the importance of safety and work collectively to address the challenges.

?? The numbers:

According to the CDC, heat stress is responsible for numerous deaths and illnesses among workers. Last week there were 847 heat-related illnesses in Texas, according to the CDC. A study by ValuePenguin found that between 2010 and 2019, over 4,100 people died from heat-related causes in the United States. Texas, California, and Arizona accounted for nearly half of these deaths.

??? OSHA Standards:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers ensure their workplaces are free from hazards. It's important to note that OSHA does not have a dedicated standard addressing work in hot environments. Instead, OSHA entrusts employers with the responsibility to safeguard workers from recognized dangers, including those posed by heat stress.

The process of modifying OSHA standards is intricate, involving rulemaking, solicitation of public feedback, and occasionally legal disputes. Throughout the years, there has been a spectrum of opinions regarding the revision of OSHA standards. Proponents of revisions contend that existing regulations may not sufficiently mitigate the risks that workers encounter, particularly in the context of climate change and rising temperatures. Conversely, critics frequently express apprehensions regarding the economic implications and practicality of enforcing new standards.

?? The Reality:

Heat extends beyond the reach of OSHA. In July 2021, Sebastian Francisco Perez, a farmworker in Oregon, died while working in extreme heat conditions. His death was one of 600 that occurred during the record-breaking heatwave that hit the Pacific Northwest. This week, 11 deaths have been attributed to the heat we are experiencing right now in Texas. Including a 14-year-old boy hiking with his father at Big Bend National Park.

The human body operates best within a specific temperature range. During extreme heat, the body's organs work overtime to maintain core temperature, with the heart being central in pumping blood from the core to the skin. For those with heart issues, high blood pressure, or diabetes, this added stress can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause multiple organ failure and, ultimately, death.?

?? Glass Half Full:

In this modern age, technology is ceaselessly evolving and making a significant impact on our daily lives. One such innovation comes from Epicore Biosystems , which is at the forefront of creating a unique form of personal protective equipment (PPE) - a patch that enables individuals to monitor their sweat and sodium levels in real time. This cutting-edge patch acts as a life-saving sweat translator and exemplifies how the Internet of Things (IoT) is poised to revolutionize the construction industry.

In the end, drawing from my 15 years of experience in telecom construction, I can attest to the toll that heat exhaustion can take on one's body. It is critical to drive awareness and training around Heat Illness and prevention, not just for employees, but for your family's well-being. For further insights into heat-related illnesses and preventive measures, I encourage you to explore the link below and be an advocate for others.

Thanks for reading.

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Christopher Machuca

[email protected]