Staying Safe in the Heat Streaming Video on Demand

As an employer, it is your responsibility to train your workers on job hazards, which includes those associated with working in warm or hot environments. You must also consider how the personal protective equipment (PPE) you provide may contribute to heat stress when selecting and replacing it. For example, wearing a facemask or respirator can be a heat-related risk factor.

Your heat illness prevention program must include requirements to monitor temperature and relative humidity and to conduct frequent check-ins with employees on their status. Prevention of heat stress involves several key strategies:

• Making time for breaks in cool or shady areas.
• Ensuring proper air movement.
• Encouraging proper attire (light cotton layers are recommended) and frequent and appropriate hydration (e.g., ½ liter of water every ½ hour).
• Allowing workers to build up a heat tolerance (acclimatization).

Be very watchful during the first few days when employees are working in warm or hot environments to give them time for heat acclimatization (pronounced, roughly, ah-climb-it-ih-zay-shun). Shorter shifts, decreased workloads, and alternative time schedules are appropriate during this initial adjustment period. It is critical to train new employees on prevention and how to identify the signs of heat stress before they begin work.

All personnel should be ready to call 911 immediately in an emergency. In the event of serious illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion, the victim must be cooled right away. Preferably, this should be done with water or ice. If these are not available—and if it is safe to do so—help the victim into an air-conditioned or at least shaded area. Do not leave the worker until help arrives. These procedures should all be part of your workplace’s heat illness prevention program and emergency plan.


KEYWORDS: Heat stress, heat illness prevention, worker safety, acclimatization, emergency procedures, workplace hazards, OSHA, hydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, temperature monitoring, relative humidity, PPE, personal protective equipment, safety training, manager responsibility, first aid, cool breaks, safe hot-work, conflict resolution.

Describe employer responsibilities regarding heat hazards and PPE selection.
Identify personal protective equipment (PPE) that may contribute to heat stress.
Explain the importance of monitoring temperature, humidity, and employee status.
Detail prevention methods like hydration, breaks, and proper attire.
Define heat acclimatization and its associated safety procedures.
Outline the emergency procedures for heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

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