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On August 14th, 2024, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) released a National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030. In general, the strategy promotes proactive coordination related to heat planning, response, and resilience. Recently, two federal agencies announced resources on how individuals can avoid heat-related illness. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FEMA are monitoring the risk of extreme heat.
Background of the National Heat Strategy
Overall, the federal departments and agencies involved in developing this strategy acknowledge the impact of growing heat. This impact can be seen in the health and well-being of individuals, animals, and ecosystems. The NIHHIS also believes that recent increases in heat have economic and societal consequences. Significantly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1,220 people are killed by extreme heat in the U.S. every year. This total includes individuals performing private tasks and employees affected by extreme heat. Given that, the CDC declares heat as the nation's leading weather-related killer.
Overview of the National Heat Strategy
Accordingly, the strategy builds on the efforts of the 29 federal departments and agencies that make up the NIHHIS. These entities include the following:
- CDC,
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
- HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), and
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Additionally, the HHS has already taken steps to achieve the objectives outlined in the National Heat Strategy. Notable resources to address extreme heat from HHS and other federal partners include:
- The experimental HeatRisk tool from the CDC and the NOAA's National Weather Service. This tool provides a seven-day heat forecast that tells users when temperatures may reach levels that could harm human health.
- Clinical Guidance on Heat and Health from the CDC takes a patient-centered approach to protecting at-risk individuals from heat.
- A new Heat and Health Index (HHI) tool was launched by the OCCHE and the CDC. The HHI provides ZIP code-level heat-related illness and community characteristics data to measure vulnerability to heat nationwide.
- An updated version of the EMS HeatTracker, which was originally launched last year by the OCCHE and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This resource tracks Emergency Medical Services responses to heat-related emergencies.
- A new Building Blocks for a Heat Stress Prevention Training Program from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) Worker Training Program. Specifically, this program helps users identify and implement steps to reduce heat stress risk for indoor and outdoor workers.
Employer Takeaways
In conclusion, all employers, especially those with workers who perform duties in warehouses and outdoors, should review the information included with the new National Heat Strategy. By following the information provided, workplaces can avoid employee injury and possible death due to heat and heat-related illnesses.
Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the OSH Act's General Duty Clause. This regulation requires employers to ensure a healthy and productive work environment for all workers. In addition to battling extreme heat, employers should familiarize themselves with the six common workplace hazards and find out how to fix them if found.
Presently, OSHA also enforces several workplace safety regulations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is safety equipment that can prevent specific types of injuries for the workers who wear it. To assist employers in maintaining compliance, WorkWise Compliance offers the following:
PPE Compliance Training for Employees – This resource contains an online, interactive employee training module and a digital PDF compliance guide for employers. Overall, the program ensures compliance with the assessment, documentation, and training requirements included within OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
To help safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses and ensure compliance with the National Heat Strategy, employers should incorporate employee training and development programs. These programs provide workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs of heat stress, understand prevention strategies, and respond effectively, reducing the risk of heat-related injuries in the workplace.
