Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 22, 2024

Following the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board’s approval of an indoor heat standard to protect indoor workers from heat illness, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced in July that it had released a proposed rule with the goal of protecting workers across the country from health risks due to exposure to extreme heat.

The agency claims that if finalized, the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. This is significant as DOL asserts that heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.

“The new rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control occupational heat hazards,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Employers would also have to evaluate heat risks, implement requirements for drinking water when heat risks increase risks to workers, provide rest breaks, and control indoor heat. It also requires a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions. DOL also shares that employers would have to provide training and have procedures to respond if a worker is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness.”

To help employers protect their workers and comply with existing and proposed health and safety regulations, EMSL Analytical offers a wide range of field testing and monitoring instruments. These resources provide real-time and data logging capabilities for temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions. They include hygrometers, psychrometers, thermo-anemometers, infrared cameras, thermometers, and other advanced instrumentation.

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about heat stress and the work environment that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/25NUviXBpTc

To learn more about instruments to measure environmental conditions that could cause heat or cold stress, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.