Hello,
I was wondering if anyone knows if there are laws against having your employees work in a warehouse with no AC during extreme heat conditions like we have in Chicago this week. My husband is working out in the warehouse with no AC and no one is concerned about his well being at all over there and it just seems crazy to me. They did not talk to him about taking more breaks or anything like that...
100+ and humidity is what we're having all this week....
I had a job where it stated in my contract that I had to work in all kinds of weather year round. It was normal for me to work outside in 100+ degree weather or 10 degrees in the winter. Sorry but I think he's just going to have to deal with the weather and drink lots of water.
Not that I know of. However, they should provide a lot of water and breaks. Our plant isn't air conditioned and we live in Houston!
They can't force him to work, but they can fire him for not showing up and give the job to one of the 100+ unemployed people who would love to have it. He will be fine, just be sure he knows the signs for heat stroke and drinks plenty of water.
Mine is in this too. They do what they can and just suck it up. I worry until he gets home at night.
Construction workers, road crews, farmers... the list goes on. Many are working out in these conditions. Some have it in their contract you may work in all kind of weather unless deadly storm or something like that. Others know that the work has to be done and they need to be there or they will be fired.
Have lots of water, hopefully breaks can be taken and do the best that can be done in the heat wave.
I live near Milwaukee, WI. Guess what I will be working an outdoor concert on Thursday, still have that heat wave. I am the manager, I talked with my boss about moving it indoors but he said for now no. So I have to make sure the 12 students working under me are safe, by this I will have lots of cold water and make sure they can take breaks (these the job will pay for). Might even pick up a few fans to try and keep cool (this would come out of my own pocket).
Could he sit in his car w/the a/c on during his breaks and lunch?
Does he drink a lot of water during his shift?
Could he suggest (even anonimously) that they install some fans to circulate the air in the wairhouse? Floor fans, desk fans? Ceiling fans would be ideal but not usually easy in a warehouse.
How about wearing a cool/wet rag around his neck, if they allow it?
I work in a factory...it's been extremely hot in Michigan right now too. It's only going to get worse.
My plant has 'climate control', however it's been broke for God only knows how long. It's atleast 10 degrees hotter inside then it is outside, and it's pretty unbarable. Theres nothing that can be done legally, atleast in Michigan. We have a medical department too, and you wouldn't believe how many people are taken there by our little inside ambulance thing ( we call it a meat wagon).
I would suggest to him to drink water AND gatorade or powerade. Because gatorade repleneshes your electrolyte loss (salt, magnesium, and theres 2 more, but I'm heat brain right now so I can't think of the other 2). Also take extra breaks. If he can't take extra breaks, then I would definately be complaining!!
Look up the laws for the Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) for your state. You should be able to find all of the information you are asking for there. They have tons of stipulations and requirements for heat acclimation and such - and they must provide "cool" water, shade, etc.....of course that is for outside jobs - but they have regulations. Look on the Federal OSHA website or the OSHA website specific for your state.
I remember calling on behalf of my husband who was nervous about it, I called I believe the Department of labor. The job might have machinery, i.e. for example in this case dies that would be affected by a change in the heat and therefore they cannot use air because certain machines expand or retract according to what they are made of. But they do have to provide breaks, and although I am not sure who does it, water, lots of it, gator ade, etc. They do need more breaks and I am sure the company doesn't want a lawsuit over someone who is suffering or got sick so if you are so inclined make a complaint. Other moms have listed places to call. So go ahead and do that and just remain anonymous if you are worried. You do not want your husband to get sick or dehydrated. Send him with a lot of water. What i do I provide my own water and that is not an issue that I would take to anyone, it is part of what I need to be healthy and alright to work. So I am sure other companies would use that excuse. Sadly this exists in all parts of the country.
