• Home
  • On Point
  • Member Engagement
  • Resource Center
  • Tools
  • Home
  • On Point
  • Member Engagement
  • Resource Center
  • Tools

Posts Categorized: Health & Safety

Displaying 2 of 96 Total Records

June 16, 2025

Help Keep Our Members Safe in the Summer Heat

Soaring summer heat is approaching, which is a serious hazard for our members working in the meatpacking, food processing, retail and cannabis industries. With a lack of a federal OSHA heat standard, the UFCW’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Office is advising locals to advocate for and protect our members from the risk of heat illnesses this summer.

Why does heat safety matter? Every year, millions of workers in the United States are exposed to excessive heat while at work. Indoor and outdoor industries are at risk, including but not limited to construction, agriculture, food processing, iron and steel mills, and manufacturing.

In extremely hot conditions, the human body works hard to maintain a normal body temperature. But when the heat becomes too much for your system to handle, it can lead to the onset of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat strokes.

What is a heat-related illness? A heat-related illness is an umbrella term used to describe negative symptoms or outcomes of occupational exposure to heat. It occurs when the body cannot efficiently cool itself. Workers who are exposed to prolonged heat without adequate hydration and cooling measures are at incredibly high risk.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature due to failing cooling mechanisms. This condition is extremely dangerous and can be fatal if you do not seek immediate medical attention. Key symptoms include a body temperature greater than 104 °F; hot, dry skin; an inability to sweat; altered mental status or confusion; slurred speech; and loss of consciousness. If someone begins showing signs of heat stroke, a quick response is critical and the following steps should be taken:

1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Move the worker to cool area and remove any unnecessary clothing.

3. Cool the worker as quickly as possible (cold water/ ice bath, wet the skin, soak clothing with cool water, wet rag or towel around their neck).

4. Stay with the worker until emergency medical personnel arrive.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body starts to overheat but has not reached heat stroke status quite yet. Its onset may be gradual or sudden and can progress to heat stroke if not properly treated. Key symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, excessive sweating, and a body temperature between 101 and 104 °F. If a worker begins showing signs of heat stroke, follow these steps:

1. Transport the worker to a clinic or emergency room for treatment. If medical care is not available, call 911 and stay with the worker until emergency medical personnel arrive.

2. Move the worker to a cool area and remove unnecessary clothing to help cool their body temperature.

3. Give the worker cool liquids to drink and encourage them to take frequent sips.

4. Apply a cold compress to the head, neck and/or face to cool them down.

Heat cramps are brief, painful muscle spasms that happen when someone experiences electrolyte loss and dehydration. Symptoms include muscle spasms, or involuntary jerking movements accompanied with pain. If a worker begins experiencing heat cramps, the following steps should be taken:

1. Give the worker water or a sports drink and a snack every 15 to 20 minutes to replace lost electrolytes and carbohydrates.

2. If symptoms do not subside or become worse, call medical personnel. Workers who have chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma should also seek help from medical personnel, as their symptoms can be exacerbated.

Heat rash is the most common heat-related illness and presents as small red bumps or blisters. These blisters may appear in clusters on the chest, scalp, underneath breasts and in the groin area. Heat rashes can be addressed with the following steps:

1. Transfer the worker to a cool, dry environment.

2. Apply a rash powder to ease discomfort and keep the area dry.

3. Avoid ointments and creams, as they can make the rash worse.

How can workers be protected from heat-related illnesses? Employers must ensure that all employees have equitable access to:

– Proper acclimatization methods

– Adequate amounts of cool or cold drinking water

– Cool/shady rest areas for relief

– Bathrooms with adequate bathroom breaks

– Functioning cooling systems and general ventilation systems

– A written protocol for responding to heat-related medical emergencies

– Proper education and training on heat-related illnesses and how to recognize a medical emergency

What is heat acclimatization? Heat acclimatization is the process of easing the body into a hot environment. It can be compared to easing into a hot bath. Initially, the sudden temperature change feels intense, but as you settle in, the body adapts, and the heat becomes tolerable. Proper heat acclimatization is done by gradually increasing heat exposure over a seven to 14-day period. This practice allows the body to stabilize blood circulation, release sweat more efficiently, and reduce cardiovascular strain while performing tasks. It is an important aspect of protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.

Here are what some states are doing about excessive occupational heat:

California has a standard that requires employers to provide training, shade, water, and planning with a heat trigger of 80 °F.

Colorado has a standard that protects agricultural workers from excessive heat.

Maryland has implemented a new standard that requires employers to monitor and protect their employees in indoor and outdoor workplaces with a heat trigger of 80 °F.

Minnesota has a standard that applies to indoor places of employment.

Oregon has a comprehensive standard that applies to construction and forestry workers, as well.

Washington has a standard for general industry, agricultural workers, and firefighters.

For more information about heat and heat-related illnesses, contact the UFCW’s OSH Specialists Victoria Valentina at vvalentina@ufcw.org  or Samara Moseley at smoseley@ufcw.org.

The Communications Department has created a heat safety social media toolkit for locals, which is available here.

May 27, 2025

OSH Office Holds Workplace Safety Training in Pennsylvania

On May 7 and 8, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Office team held an OSHA 10-hour general industry outreach training for Region 2 locals in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

The training, which was facilitated by OSH Office Director Roy McAllister and OSH Specialist Victoria Valentina, included regional staff, local union representatives, organizers, local rank and file members and executive board members from UFCW Locals 27, 392, 1208, 1776 and 1994. Workers from the first unionized Whole Foods in Philadelphia were present at the training, as well.

The OSHA 10-hour training emphasized the importance of including safety and health conversations when organizing and servicing our members and future members. The training equipped union staff and Whole Foods workers with the tools to enter a workplace and identify hazards and OSHA violations, and utilize these skills to leverage safer workplaces, demand timely implementation of hazard controls, and encourage management cooperation.

The training covered mandatory topics such as an introduction to OSHA; walking and working surfaces; personal protective equipment; electrical safety; hazard communications; and exit routes and fire prevention plans. Participants also learned about elective topics such as safety and health programs and workplace violence. During the training, participants worked together on hands-on exercises to brainstorm solutions and controls for workplace safety hazards that they encounter daily in the food and non-food retail space. These hazards include slips, trips and falls; ergonomic issues; and workplace violence.

At the conclusion of the training, several participants expressed how excited they were to receive their OSHA cards in the mail so they could go into stores and show the employer they are certified and trained in identifying hazards in the workplace. Another participant also expressed an interest in becoming an OSHA authorized trainer to spread the knowledge and practical skills he learned in the class.

“As a region, we came together to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the OSH Office, adopting a strategic organizing approach to health and safety,” said Region 2 Director Kate Meckler. “Together, we are not only enhancing workplace conditions and safeguarding lives, but also empowering workers to advocate for a safe workplace and their right to protect it.”

If your local is interested in coordinating an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour outreach training with the OSH Office team, contact OSH Office Director Roy McAllister (rmcallister@ufcw.org), Assistant Director Justin Tristan (jtristan@ufcw.org), or OSH Specialists Victoria Valentina (vvalentina@ufcw.org) and Samara Moseley (smoseley@ufcw.org).

  • « Older Entries

Sign Up for On Point

* denotes required field

Updates

  • Allies and Affiliates
    • AFL-CIO
    • ICWUC
    • RWDSU
  • Bookstore
  • Community
    • Community Outreach
    • Environment
    • Food Access
  • Education
    • Free College
    • Scholarship
  • Events
  • Health & Safety
  • Health Care
  • Industries
    • Cannabis
    • Chemical Workers
    • Distillery
    • Grocery
    • Packing and Processing
      • Food Processing
      • Meat Packing
      • Poultry
    • Retail
  • Lobby Day
  • On Point
    • Legislation and Politics
    • Negotiations
    • Organizing
  • Resources
    • Local Union Resources
    • Member Resources
    • Reports
    • Share Graphics and Memes
  • Survey
  • UFCW Canada

Pages

  • 2014 UFCW Attorneys’ Conference
  • Constituency Groups
  • Home
  • On Point
  • Resources
  • Right to Work Survey
  • Tools
    • Need a Website?
      • New Website Application Form
    • Translations

Recent News

  • Ashley Homestore Retail Workers Join UFCW Canada June 23, 2025
  • First Union Contract Secured by Cannabis Workers in Maryland June 23, 2025
  • Your Opinion Matters: Write to REI’s New CEO June 23, 2025
  • Celebrate Independence Day With Union-Made Products June 23, 2025
  • The Center for Fiction Workers in New York Join the RWDSU June 16, 2025

Archives

  • June 2025 (16)
  • May 2025 (16)
  • April 2025 (17)
  • March 2025 (19)
  • February 2025 (16)
  • January 2025 (16)
  • December 2024 (12)
  • November 2024 (12)
  • October 2024 (16)
  • September 2024 (20)
  • August 2024 (16)
  • July 2024 (20)
  • June 2024 (16)
  • May 2024 (16)
  • April 2024 (20)
  • March 2024 (16)
  • February 2024 (16)
  • January 2024 (20)
  • December 2023 (8)
  • November 2023 (16)
  • October 2023 (20)
  • September 2023 (16)
  • August 2023 (16)
  • July 2023 (20)
  • June 2023 (16)
  • May 2023 (20)
  • April 2023 (12)
  • March 2023 (15)
  • February 2023 (15)
  • January 2023 (20)
  • December 2022 (8)
  • November 2022 (20)
  • October 2022 (16)
  • September 2022 (15)
  • August 2022 (20)
  • July 2022 (16)
  • June 2022 (20)
  • May 2022 (16)
  • April 2022 (16)
  • March 2022 (16)
  • February 2022 (16)
  • January 2022 (20)
  • December 2021 (8)
  • November 2021 (19)
  • October 2021 (16)
  • September 2021 (16)
  • August 2021 (19)
  • July 2021 (16)
  • June 2021 (20)
  • May 2021 (16)
  • April 2021 (16)
  • March 2021 (20)
  • February 2021 (15)
  • January 2021 (16)
  • December 2020 (8)
  • November 2020 (19)
  • October 2020 (16)
  • September 2020 (16)
  • August 2020 (20)
  • July 2020 (16)
  • June 2020 (20)
  • May 2020 (16)
  • April 2020 (16)
  • March 2020 (20)
  • February 2020 (16)
  • January 2020 (16)
  • December 2019 (12)
  • November 2019 (12)
  • October 2019 (20)
  • September 2019 (16)
  • August 2019 (15)
  • July 2019 (20)
  • June 2019 (16)
  • May 2019 (16)
  • April 2019 (20)
  • March 2019 (16)
  • February 2019 (12)
  • January 2019 (16)
  • December 2018 (13)
  • November 2018 (12)
  • October 2018 (20)
  • September 2018 (16)
  • August 2018 (16)
  • July 2018 (20)
  • June 2018 (17)
  • May 2018 (17)
  • April 2018 (16)
  • March 2018 (16)
  • February 2018 (16)
  • January 2018 (20)
  • December 2017 (13)
  • November 2017 (16)
  • October 2017 (20)
  • September 2017 (18)
  • August 2017 (18)
  • July 2017 (23)
  • June 2017 (18)
  • May 2017 (21)
  • April 2017 (14)
  • March 2017 (20)
  • February 2017 (16)
  • January 2017 (21)
  • December 2016 (13)
  • November 2016 (23)
  • October 2016 (17)
  • September 2016 (17)
  • August 2016 (21)
  • July 2016 (15)
  • June 2016 (20)
  • May 2016 (21)
  • April 2016 (22)
  • March 2016 (28)
  • February 2016 (15)
  • January 2016 (13)
  • December 2015 (13)
  • November 2015 (16)
  • October 2015 (16)
  • September 2015 (26)
  • August 2015 (18)
  • July 2015 (22)
  • June 2015 (31)
  • May 2015 (25)
  • April 2015 (22)
  • March 2015 (31)
  • February 2015 (22)
  • January 2015 (14)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (26)
  • October 2014 (22)
  • September 2014 (28)
  • August 2014 (20)
  • July 2014 (32)
  • June 2014 (26)
  • May 2014 (21)
  • April 2014 (31)
  • March 2014 (12)
  • February 2014 (3)

Categories

  • AFL-CIO (27)
  • Allies and Affiliates (4)
  • Bookstore (14)
  • Cannabis (165)
  • Chemical Workers (6)
  • Community (103)
  • Community Outreach (4)
  • Distillery (12)
  • Education (4)
  • Environment (2)
  • Events (7)
  • Food Access (2)
  • Food Processing (75)
  • Free College (1)
  • Grocery (373)
  • Health & Safety (96)
  • Health Care (76)
  • ICWUC (30)
  • Industries (10)
  • Legislation and Politics (399)
  • Lobby Day (30)
  • Local Union Resources (194)
  • Meat Packing (60)
  • Member Resources (52)
  • Negotiations (517)
  • On Point (2,408)
  • Organizing (516)
  • Packing and Processing (125)
  • Poultry (24)
  • Reports (89)
  • Resources (145)
  • Retail (293)
  • RWDSU (116)
  • Scholarship (6)
  • Share Graphics and Memes (2)
  • Survey (14)
  • UFCW Canada (30)

© 2025 For Local Unions.

All rights reserved.

Find us online

Back
to
top