Heat Stress and Heat Related injuries and a major cause of illness, loss of work, and even death during the Spring and Summer Months each year. This has become such a serious issue that OSHA has developed and entire campaign around the issue and even developed and launched an app.

Heat Safety Tool Smartphone App - click the logo to get it!?

Heat Safety Tool - Smartphone App
We've discussed this topic in other articles, such as Help Prevent Heat-Related Illness, but as we head into the hot Months again, we want raise awareness anew. The OSHA Campaign focuses on water, rest, and shade - these (along with essential electrolytes) can keep workers safe and healthy. The same applies to each of us in our ordinary lives. Whether a senior, who may be more susceptible to heat illness, or a young athlete kicking it up on the field and in the sin, think about how heat can sneak up on you and knock you down. Shows locations of outdoor worker, heat-related fatalities between 2008 and 2012. ?Shows locations of outdoor worker, heat-related fatalities between 2008 and 2013. HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.Employers are responsible for providing workplaces that are safe from excessive heat.

What is heat illness?

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken such as drinking water frequently and resting in the shade or air conditioning. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.

How can heat illness be prevented?

Employers should establish a complete heat illness prevention program to prevent heat illness. This includes: provide workers with water, rest and shade; gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more to build a tolerance for working in the heat (acclimatization); modify work schedules as necessary; plan for emergencies and train workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and their prevention; and monitor workers for signs of illness. Workers new to the heat or those that have been away from work and are returning can be most vulnerable to heat stress and they must be acclimatized (see box). To prevent heat related illness and fatalities:
  • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Rest in the shade to cool down.
  • Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
  • Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
  • Keep an eye on fellow workers.
  • "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.
If workers are new to working in the heat or returning from more than a week off, and for all workers on the first day of a sudden heat wave, implement a work schedule to allow them to get used to the heat gradually. Drink water often - Rest in the shade - Report heat symptoms early - Know what to do in an emergencyAc·cli·ma·ti·za·tion
: a physical change that builds tolerance to the heat, can be done by gradually increasing workload for new and returning workers- and for everyone during a heat wave.

Remember these three simple words: Water, Rest, Shade.  Taking these precautions can mean the difference between life and death.

About the OSHA Heat Campaign

OSHA's nationwide Heat Illness Prevention Campaign aims to raise awareness and teach workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather and provide valuable resources to address these concerns. Begun in 2011, the Heat Illness Prevention Campaign has reached more than 10.7 million people and distributed close to half a million fact sheets, posters, quick cards, training guides and wallet cards. OSHA is again joining with other federal and state agencies and non-governmental organizations to spread the word about preventing heat illness. For example, OSHA is continuing its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service to include worker safety precautions in their Excessive Heat Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products.