NC labor ledger [2002 : June, v.10 : no.6]

Inside this issue June 2002 Vol. 10 • Number 6 Avoiding the Dangers of Heat Stress DOL reminds North Carolinians to work safely during hot weather Hot weather is here. And the heat asso¬ ciated with hotter conditions can be dangerous. So each year the Department of Labor reminds employers and employees on how to avoid heat stress. “Pay attention to the heat,” said N.C. Labor Commissioner Cherie K. Berry. “It is important for employers and workers to stay safe in hot weather.” One way to do this is to know the signs of heat stress and what to do about those signs. Workers such as farmers, contractors, construction workers and highway crews know hot weather perils that are out of doors. However, the same dangers can be found on factory floors that are overheated and underventilated. Tips for preventing heat-related disorders: • Ventilate work areas with fans as much as possible (only if the ambient air temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). • Shield workers from machine-produced (“radiant”) heat when possible. • Wear clean, lightweight, water-permeable clothing that allows free air circulation around the body. • Provide water or sports drinks. During extreme heat, thirst alone cannot be relied upon to indicate fluid loss. Drink a cup of lluid every 1 5-20 minutes to help maintain lluid balance under heat stress conditions. • Avoid alcohol. It’s a busy time of year for youths in the job market. Here is a summary of guidelines to help employers meet North Carolina requirements. A youth has to be at least 14 years of age to be employed in most jobs. Generally, 14- and 15-year-old youths can only work in retail and ser¬ vice jobs such as at fast food restaurants, movie theaters, clothing stores, shoe stores, department • Eat lightly. Avoid heavy meals, which are hard to digest. • Minimize activity in hot areas and slow down the work pace when possible. Take breaks in cooler areas. • Schedule work activities during cooler parts of the day when possible. • Employees with heat stress disorders may experience reduced mental performance, confusion and clumsiness resulting in more workplace accidents and injuries. • Educate employees to recognize the signs of heat disorders in themselves and others. The signs of heat stress, which can occur at indoor or outdoor work sites, are: Continued on раде 2 stores, variety stores, grocery stores, convenience stores and clerical (office) work. Another source of employment may be in amusement type places such as public lakes, water slide places, out¬ door dramas (if in your area), and city/county recreational programs. Amusement type places are always looking for help during the summer. There are no restrictions as to how many jobs a youth can have at one time. The restrictions are based on each employer. In other words, each employer stands on its own. Hours of work for youths aged 14 and 15 are as follows: N .C . Department of Labor 4 W. Edenton St. Raleigh, NC 27601-1092 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 154 Raleigh. NC Youth Employment Certificates Are Required for Summer Jobs Continued on раде 4