To prevent heat stress and heat-related illnesses in the workplace, OSHA and industry best practices recommend several safety guidelines and control measures. These measures include providing access to water and shade, implementing acclimatization procedures, monitoring weather conditions, and providing training to employees and supervisors. A written heat illness prevention plan, along with emergency response procedures, are also crucial components. [4]

Employers are required to provide access to potable water that is fresh, suitably cool, and free of charge, located as close as practicable to the work area and cooling area. They must encourage frequent water consumption, providing at least one quart per hour per employee per shift if plumbed water is not available. [5] [2]

Employers must provide access to at least one cool-down area, maintained at a temperature below 82°F, blocked from direct sunlight and high-radiant heat sources, large enough to accommodate employees on rest breaks, and as close as practicable to the work area. Employees who ask for a cool-down rest period must be allowed to take one, and employers should encourage preventative cool-down rest periods. [2]

Acclimatization is crucial for workers exposed to hot environments. Employers should closely observe new employees and newly assigned employees working in hot areas during a 14-day acclimatization period, as well as all employees during a heat wave where no effective engineering controls are in use. [2]

Training is essential for both employees and supervisors. Training topics include environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness, the employer's procedures for complying with regulations, the importance of frequent water consumption, acclimatization methods, signs and symptoms of heat illness, and emergency response procedures. [2]

Employers must measure the temperature and heat index and record whichever is greater whenever the temperature or heat index reaches 87°F (or temperature reaches 82°F for employees working in clothing that restricts heat removal or high radiant heat areas). [2]

Engineering controls involve reducing heat or creating a barrier between the employee and the heat source. Examples include increased ventilation, cooling fans, reflective shields, and insulation of heat sources. [7]

Administrative controls involve adjusting work procedures, practices, or schedules to limit heat exposure. Examples include modifying work schedules to cooler times of the day, scheduling shorter shifts, and gradually increasing shift length for new workers. [7]

Personal protective equipment includes water-cooled garments, cooling vests, and heat-reflective clothing. Workers should be aware that certain PPE, such as respirators and impermeable clothing, can increase the risk of heat-related illness. [1] [1]

Implement high-heat procedures when the temperature equals or exceeds 95°F, including training employees to recognize heat illness symptoms and allowing them to call for emergency medical services when necessary. [8]

Develop and implement an effective heat illness prevention plan in writing that includes training, recognition of dehydration symptoms, provision of cool water, rest areas, and acclimatization procedures. [3]

Emergency response procedures must include effective communication, immediate action when signs of heat illness are observed, and contact with emergency medical services when necessary. Do not leave an employee exhibiting signs or symptoms of heat illness alone or send them home without offering onsite first aid and/or providing emergency medical services. [6]