Coming off of record-breaking warmth in July, summertime heat is still impacting significant parts of the country, potentially creating sweltering conditions at your dealership.

KPA, a leading provider of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), HR Management and F&I compliance software and services, recently shared steps that any company can take to ensure their workforce is safe and comfortable during a heatwave.

KPA acknowledged soaring temperatures can create a special safety challenge for employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) requires every employer to provide “a place of employment … free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.” Extreme heat is a recognized hazard that can result in death.

In addition, the provider pointed out 28 states have plans that meet or exceed OSHA’s hazard mitigation requirements, while some states even have specific regulations regarding working in the heat.

“There’s hot and then there’s July 2019 hot, the hottest recorded month on Earth. Large parts of the country endured a blistering heat wave, compounded by power outages. At least half-a-dozen deaths were directly attributed to the heat,” said Eric Schmitz, senior vice president of compliance for KPA.

“In response, we asked our safety team to create a list of action items that would be useful tips on how companies can mitigate the effects of a heat wave,” Schmitz continued.

The KPA services team shared the following recommendations for companies wishing to beat the heat:

1. Know the symptoms of heat stroke.

2. Know the risks, such as temperature and humidity levels.

3. Know the National Weather Service Heat Index, a useful tool that enables employers to assess the risk of heat on their workforce.

4. Emphasize heat illness management controls. 

5. Create a heat illness prevention team.

6. Educate your employees.

To access additional suggestions from KPA for safety during heat waves, go to this website or call (866) 356-1735.