Employee Handbook & Safety Policies
Heat Illness Prevention Policy
Labor Finders is committed to protecting temporary workers from heat-related illnesses while assigned to work outdoors or in environments where heat is a hazard. In accordance with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Heat Illness Prevention Standard and OSHA recommendations, Labor Finders has implemented the following protective measures:
1. Access to Water
Clean, cool, and potable drinking water will be readily available and accessible to all employees working in high-heat conditions. Workers are encouraged to drink water frequently, approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes.
2. Access to Shade and Rest
When the temperature reaches or exceeds 80°F, workers must be provided with access to a shaded area for recovery and rest. Employees showing signs of heat illness must be allowed to rest in the shade or a cooler area immediately.
3. Acclimatization
New and returning workers must be gradually introduced to hot working environments. Supervisors will monitor for signs of heat stress during this period and ensure proper workload adjustments. This includes shorter shifts or longer rest breaks until full acclimatization is achieved.
4. Training
All employees will receive basic training on heat illness prevention. Topics include recognizing symptoms, first aid measures, and when and how to report signs of illness. Supervisors will receive additional training on emergency procedures and proper monitoring practices.
5. Emergency Procedures
Labor Finders requires host employers to have and communicate a written procedure for responding to heat-related illness. Workers should notify their onsite supervisor and Labor Finders immediately if they or a coworker show signs of heat stress.
6. Shared Responsibility
Labor Finders and the host employer share responsibility under the MOSH standard. Labor Finders provides general training and ensures client awareness of their duties, while the host employer must implement site-specific controls such as water, shade, rest, and emergency protocols.
7. Employee Responsibility
Employees must drink water frequently, take breaks as needed, report any symptoms immediately, and follow all instructions provided during training. Working safely in heat conditions is a shared effort and critical to everyone’s health.