With record-breaking heat, scorching California this summer, A-Z Bus Sales is concerned about the safety and health of school bus and commercial bus drivers. Heat related illness contributes to loss of work, costing employers millions of dollars in lost wages. Additionally, if untreated, heat stress can lead to more serious heat related injuries and even death, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Employees working outdoors, such as bus drivers, bus mechanics, and all other professions requiring outdoor activities are candidates for potential heat related illness. The good news is that heat related illness is 100% survivable, if treated early and quick.

Solutions for preventing heat stress can include something as simple as staying hydrated before you begin to feeling thirsty, and taking shade breaks through out your shift. Additionally, products such as a Heat Stress Responder kit offered by A-Z Bus Sales can help prevent heat stress, fast. It is recommend that buses in your fleet are equipped with a kit that can help prevent heat stress for employees working in hot weather. It is also a good idea to include the kits as part of your written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standards.

Heat Stress Kit available from A-Z Bus Sales parts department.

For properly managing heat issues, California employers are required to take four steps to help prevent heat illness:

1. Train all employees and supervisors  about heat illness. The CDC has and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a good place to start with learning about heat stress and heat related illness. Click here for more information.
2. Provide enough fresh water  so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, or four 8-ounce glasses, of water per hour, and encourage them to do so!
3. Provide access to shade  and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5-minutes. Employees should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
4. Planning and implementing a written procedure  for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

A-Z Bus Sales wants you and your bus drivers and mechanics to be safe this summer. The best medicine is prevention. Plan and train your employees on signs and procedures for heat related illnesses. Also, be prepared with available fresh water for employees and a Heat Stress Responder kit in every bus.