Il Dept Of Labor

State Issues Safety Tips for Workers During Record Heat Wave

CHICAGO–As temperatures continue to rise across the Midwest, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding workers about the hazards of working in hot weather and how to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries.

“People who work outdoors and in many industrial settings can become extremely sick from heat exposure,” said Joe Costigan, Director, Illinois Department of Labor.  “We want to make sure that employees and employers are aware of potential heat-related injuries and are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure workers remain healthy and safe on the job.”

Millions of Illinois workers are at risk for heat-related illnesses.  Heat illness occurs when the body temperatures rise to dangerous levels and can range from heat rash and heat cramps, to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fainting, weakness or wet skin, irritability or confusion.  Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention as it can result in death.

Per state law, employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to notify and educate the employees on the potential hazards in the workplace.  For more information on how to prevent heat-related illnesses in the workplace, contact the Illinois Department of Labor at (217) 782-9386 or log on to www.state.il.us/agency/idol .

The Department recommends the following tips:

Employees should:

• Drink water often to remain hydrated • Look out for the symptoms of heat illness in yourself and others during hot weather

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 700 people die each year from exposure to extreme heat conditions, both indoors and out.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States – claiming more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Bushnell Illinois Tank Co. in

For exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards

OMAHA, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Bushnell Illinois Tank Co., doing business as Schuld/Bushnell in Valley, for one willful, one repeat, 20 serious and one-other-than serious violation, following a combined safety and health inspection at the company's facility. Proposed penalties total $142,400. "OSHA has a stringent confined space standard because employees entering and exiting a confined space could be exposed to serious hazards, including entrapment, engulfment and dangerous atmospheric conditions," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers rigorously monitor and minimize the hazards of dangerous environments such as confined spaces, and that they provide an overall safe and healthful workplace for employees." The repeat violation is similar to an electrical violation cited in October 2006 for improper use of a flexible cord at the company's facility in Bushnell, Ill. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The serious violations include misusing and overloading an under-hung hoist; using a damaged fiberglass ladder; exposing employees to falls of more than 4 feet; failing to properly train and document training of workers who operate industrial trucks; overloading an industrial truck; failing to inspect and remove damaged slings from service; using damaged slings to lift heavy objects; failing to guard a power-transmitting belt and pulley; exposing workers to more than 85 decibels of noise without a hearing conservation program; spray painting within 20 feet of spark-producing equipment; allowing voluntary respirator use without the required elements of a respirator program and without proper training; and allowing workers to enter a permit-required confined space without identifying hazards, providing proper training and equipment, testing atmospheric conditions and providing an attendant at all times. Electrical violations include exposing workers to shocks through a missing stop button in a control box, using an electrical cord without a ground plug and using an outlet box without a cover. Additionally, the employer failed to maintain material safety data sheets and train workers who use or store hazardous chemicals. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Omaha Area Office; telephone 402-553-0174. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742). Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov .

Administrative report of the directors of departments under the civil administrative code together with the adjutant general's report

Annual report

The labor bulletin

Illinois Department of Labor; general information and laws, Effective July 1, 1917

Illinois Department of Labor