Heat Illness Prevention
Heat kills workers every year, indoors and outdoors. Most heat deaths happen in the first few days on the job, before the body has adjusted. Heat illness is preventable with Water, Rest and Shade.
- Construction
- General Industry
- State-specific
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington
Photo: crew taking a break under a shade canopy with a water cooler
Water. Rest. Shade.
- Water: drink about 1 cup (8 oz) every 15 to 20 minutes when working in the heat, even if you’re not thirsty. For long, sweaty shifts, add electrolyte drinks.
- Rest: take more breaks as the heat index goes up, and schedule heavy work for cooler times.
- Shade: rest in shade or air conditioning.
Acclimatization
New and returning workers need time to build heat tolerance. A common approach: no more than 20% of the usual workload or exposure time on day one, increasing gradually over about 1 to 2 weeks. Watch new workers closely and use a buddy system.
Know the signs
| Condition | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Heat rash / cramps | Red bumps; painful muscle cramps | Rest in shade, drink water and electrolytes |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, cool clammy skin | Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, cool with water, sip fluids. Don’t leave them alone. Get medical help if not better quickly. |
| Heat stroke (emergency) | Confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, very high body temperature, hot skin (sweating may or may not stop) | Call 911. Cool the person immediately: cold water immersion if possible, or ice packs and wet towels, especially neck, armpits and groin. Stay with them. |
Rules
- Federal OSHA uses the General Duty Clause to cite serious heat hazards, and has proposed a federal heat standard. Check its current status.
- Several states have their own heat rules, including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado (agriculture), Maryland and Nevada.
Video: recognizing heat stroke and cooling a coworker
Standards & references
Last updated: