Heat stress

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 engineering and administrative controls, acclimatization procedures, and training programs. [5] [8] [3] [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. If plumbed water is unavailable, provide at least one quart per hour per employee per shift and encourage frequent water consumption. [7] [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 close to the work area. Encourage employees to take preventative cool-down rest periods and monitor them for heat-related illness symptoms. [2] [2]

Engineering controls involve removing or 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. [8]

Administrative controls limit heat exposure by adjusting work procedures, practices, or schedules. These include modifying work schedules to cooler times, shortening shifts, rotating job functions, and requiring mandatory rest breaks in cooler environments. [8] [1] [1] [1]

Acclimatization is a temporary adaptation of the body to work in the heat, typically achieved within 4 to 14 days of regular exposure. Employers should closely observe new employees and those newly assigned to hot areas during a 14-day acclimatization period, as well as all employees during a heat wave. [2] [2]

Employers need to provide training to both employees and supervisors on environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness, the employer's procedures for complying with regulations, the importance of water consumption and acclimatization, signs and symptoms of heat illness, and emergency response procedures. [2]

Employers must have effective emergency response procedures, including maintaining effective communication, taking immediate action if heat illness is observed or reported, and contacting emergency medical services. [9]

A written heat illness prevention plan should detail how the company will provide access to water and shade, monitor the weather, implement high heat procedures, address acclimatization, train employees and supervisors, and respond to heat illnesses without delay. [6]