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Risk manager urges Absecon to adopt heat-stress policy, citing OSHA guidance
Summary
Joe Henry of Hardenberg Insurance presented a heat-injury and stress-prevention briefing on May 15, urging the city to adopt a heat-stress policy that includes modified shifts, a buddy system, hydration standards and training ahead of an expected OSHA standard.
Joe Henry, a risk manager with Hardenberg Insurance Group, told the Absecon City Council on May 15 that heat injury is a leading weather-related workplace killer and urged the city to adopt a heat-stress prevention policy.
"Heat injury and stress prevention is the topic," Henry said, and he recommended administrative controls such as modified work schedules (for example moving a 8 a.m.–4 p.m. shift to 6 a.m.–2 p.m. during heat waves), buddy-system monitoring, frequent breaks, supervisory oversight and training tailored to department tasks.
Henry recommended hydration provisions and training specifics: "Employees must have access to potable water. 2 gallons of water per day for employees, the recommendation." He also cited OSHA's general duty clause as an enforcement mechanism until a formal heat standard is finalized, saying the agency had been developing a heat-injury prevention standard expected by 2025.
Why it matters: Municipal employees who work outdoors are vulnerable during heat waves; the speaker said the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) has a template for a heat policy and training modules available for public works, police and fire.
Henry said the city's safety committee and JIF partners already provide materials and that the council should consider adopting the JIF template to comply with OSHA guidance and reduce risk.
The presentation concluded without a formal vote; the chief and council thanked Henry for the briefing. Administration indicated staff would review JIF materials and the recommended policy template for possible adoption.
Next steps: Staff review and potential formal adoption of a heat-stress policy using JIF templates and training resources; no binding action was taken at the May 15 meeting.
