OSHA Heat Stress and Fatigue-related Hazards Certification
Safe Work Practice training
During emergency response activities or recovery operations, workers may be required to work in hot environments, and sometimes for extended periods. When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses can occur, and can result in death.
In the work place the dangers of high temperatures are compounded by manufacturing processes that generate heat, increase the humidity, or require strenuous physical activity.
Governing regulations.
According to Heat Stress OSHA Standards Heat stress hazards are addressed in specific standards for the general industry.
Additionally:
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
Who must take this course?
Since the potential of heat and fatigue-related hazards exist in virtually every work environment, this course is recommended for all workers.
How long does it take?
It will take a MINIMUM of 1 hour to complete this online course. The student may log on and off as needed. A bookmark will be set so when they log back in they will return to where they left off.
How soon is the certificate of completion issued?
Upon successful completion each student will have immediate access to a OSHA Heat Stress and Fatigue-related Hazards printable certificate and wallet card.
Continuing education credits?
Each student will receive 0.1 CEUs from Compliance Training Online™ for completing this course.
Course format.
Our OSHA Heat Stress and Fatigue-related Hazards Training course consists of content, graphics, and a final exam.
Course synopsis.
This course covers the general aspects of heat-related hazards and worker fatigue related hazards. This course describes hazards from working in hot work environments and heat-related illnesses, along with hazard controls that can be used to protect the health and safety of workers.
Course topics.
Specific topics covered in this course include:
- understanding heat,
- how heat can affect a person,
- environmental heat,
- how the body handles heat,
- heat stress, including:
- heat stroke
- heat exhaustion
- heat rash
- heat cramps
- sunburn and burns,
- heat-related hazard controls, including:
- engineering/technological solutions
- work practices and training
- Personal Protective Equipment
- what is fatigue and how is it caused, and
- preventing and controlling fatigue
How often is retraining or recertification required?
OSHA has not specified any time frame for required retraining or recertification for Heat Stress and Fatigue-related Hazards. Since there is no OSHA standard dealing with this specific hazard the OSH Act general duty clause, section 5(a)(1), 29 U.S.C. 654(b)(1) defines the standard which provides that:
(a) Each employer -
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
A recognized hazard is a danger recognized by the employer's industry or industry in general, by the employer, or by common sense. The general duty clause does not apply if there is an OSHA standard dealing with the hazard, unless the employer knows that the standard does not adequately address the hazard.
Therefore it is our recommendation that workers be retrained at least every three years.
Additional related courses you may wish to purchase.
Other related Compliance Training Online™ courses (see our complete list of courses) include:
- Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and Fire Protection
- Hearing Protection
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Working at Heights
