Every year, thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. While heat stress can affect workers throughout the year, the hot summer months can be especially dangerous.
It’s important that workers be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness and know how to respond to a heat illness emergency.
They should be encouraged to:
- Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks) even if they’re not thirsty,
- Take frequent breaks in the shade,
- Wear hats and light-colored clothing, and
- Watch out for each other.
Train workers to recognize the signs of heat stress in themselves and their coworkers and what to do in an emergency. Training should cover the following:
- Heat stroke
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat cramps
- Heat fatigue
- Heat rash
