Help Your Workforce Beat the Heat!
Best practices for employers with outdoor workers:
- Train employees and supervisors in heat illness prevention, as well as how to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do if someone exhibits symptoms
- On days when temperatures require preventive measures, increase the volume of water available to employees. California suggests one quart per hour. It is not enough to simply provide it - workers must be encouraged to drink the water.
- Have shade available for outdoor workers and allow frequent breaks - at least 5 minutes of rest when an employee believes they need a preventative recovery period.
- Have the ability to appropriately respond to any employee with symptoms of illness
- Allow gradual acclimation for workers unaccustomed to working outside - it can take 4 to 14 days
- Know where the nearest hospital is and directions to your work site in case emergency medical attention is needed
Heat-related resources
- Heat Illness - materials in multiple languages
- CDC Extreme Heat
- National Weather Service warnings - or search by state
- Heat Stress Control and Heat Casualty Management (PDF) guidance from the Department of the Army and Air Force
- OSHA Technical Manual on Heat Stress
- CDC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Extreme Heat
- Heat Stress: Fluid and Electrolite Imbalance Can Be Fatal
- Heat-Related Illness Prevention - California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
- Outdoor Heat Exposure - Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
- NIOSH: Working in Hot Environments
Last modified on September 4, 2008 at 10:32:11 AM
