One area of compliance that OSHA inspectors zero in on is the written plan. Although many regulations require written plans, there are benefits to writing non-required plans, especially when it comes to heat illness prevention. Putting together a written plan detailing how the company will assess heat hazards, perform medical surveillance, implement control measures, handle emergency situations, and train employees who risk exposure to extreme heat will show OSHA and employees that the company has good intentions.
First, a written heat illness prevention plan can define and direct an employer’s safety and health efforts, and provide management and employees with safety and health goals and expectations, rules and standard procedures, and defined roles and responsibilities. It is the employer’s evidence of management concern for, and employee involvement with, safety and health for work in hot temperatures, which can be important if an OSHA inspection occurs.