Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat stress is not just dangerous; it can be fatal. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to plan, manage, and spot the symptoms of heat stress to keep your workers safe on the job site. Globally, heat stress and heat stroke account for nearly 500,000 deaths a year. 

Even though Washington is in the northwest, there are summer days where temps can soar and put employees in danger. Current climate predictions say that temperatures could rise as much as 5 degrees by 2050. Working a physical job increases your employees chances of getting heat stress or heat stroke. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to educate your employees and plan for hot days.

Attached is the heat illness prevention guide published by OSHA. This post will draw from their guidelines and summarize the lengthy document that OSHA provides. For a more in-depth overview, please see the document. 

OSHA’s 12 step prevention plan:

1. Have a heat plan – develop a plan with preventative measures that also anticipates emergencies.

2. Designate someone to oversee the safety program – have a trained person or multiple people that specialize in maintaining and enforcing your safety plan.

3. Provide training on heat illness – train employees on the risks, symptoms, response procedures, and preventative measures.

4. Acclimatize workers – allow newer employees to gradually increase exposure, starting with frequent breaks to become acclimated to the hot weather.

5. Modify work schedules to reduce heat exposure – If possible, shift work schedules, rotate workers' jobs, or even stop work if needed to avoid heat illness. 

6. Allow frequent rest breaks – workers must have time to recover from the heat relative to their activity level.

7. Identify heat hazards – in the workers' jobs, identify what activities have the most potential for a dangerous situation.

8. Check the temperature in the space before work – use apps and tools to track heat hazards whether it’s inside or outside.

9. Monitor for heat illness symptoms – create a buddy system so that workers can monitor each other for symptoms.

10. Designate a break area and encourage hydration – Provide workers with cold water, rest, and shade.

11. Have workers dress for the heat – have workers wear breathable clothing and hats. 

12. Be prepared for an emergency – have an emergency plan in place and communicate it to supervisors. 

    
    

It’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and to get help fast. Heat stroke can develop in just 10-15 minutes and can be fatal.

Symptoms of heat illness:

1. Headache or nausea

2. Weakness or dizziness

3. Elevated body temperature

4. Thirst

5. Decreased Urine output

   
   

What actions should be taken if a worker is experiencing symptoms:

1. Give cool water to drink

2. Remove unnecessary clothing

3. Move to a cooler area

4. Cool with water, ice, or a fan

5. Do not leave alone

6. Seek medical care if needed

For more information visit www.osha.gov

OSHA3743.pdf

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