Heat Illness
Objective: To reinforce awareness of dangerous heat illnesses, including symptoms, treatment procedures, and safety precautions
When the body is unable to cool off by sweating, heat-induced illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. These illnesses are very serious, and can sometimes result in death.
High temperatures, humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, poor physical condition, some medications, and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces or areas can all contribute to heat stress.
To control this hazard, take precautions, be able to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and know what to do in the event of a heat-related illness.
Common Symptoms of Heat Illness
Heat exhaustion:
- Headaches
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Extreme weakness
- Profuse sweating
- Irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cramps
Heat stroke:
- Dry, hot skin with no sweating
- Strong, rapid pulse
- Dizziness and nausea
- Confusion or irrational behavior
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
General Controls
- Provide shaded areas large enough to accommodate all employees during meal, rest, or recovery periods. This can be achieved through rotation of employee breaks.
- Locate shaded areas and drinking water as close as feasible to the areas where employees are working.
- Provide employees with one quart of water minimum per hour for the entirety of shift.
- If any employee feels the need for protection from overheating, allow a rest period of at least five minutes.
- Encourage employees to stay in the shaded areas during rest periods.
- Acclimatize employees by having them work for short periods of time in the heat and gradually increase their time in the heat over a two-week period.
- Use cooling fans or air-conditioning if possible.
- Employees should wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes.
- Employees should avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals.
Control Requirements for High Risk Temperatures
Heat Wave Conditions
Extreme Heat Conditions
Temperatures equal to or exceeding 95˚F
Shaded Break Periods
- Provide shaded areas large enough to accommodate all employees during meal, rest, or recovery periods. This can be achieved through rotation of employee breaks.
- Locate shaded areas as close as feasible to the areas where employees are working.
- The provision of seating is recommended.
In addition to heat wave controls:
- Institute a mandatory 10-minute break period after every two hours worked.
- Supervisors must remind employees to rest.
Fluid Intake
General controls apply.
In addition to general controls:
- Require supervisors to remind employees to drink water.
Employee Monitoring
In addition to general controls:
- Increase the number of supervisors to provide adequate close observation and monitoring of employees.
In addition to heat wave controls:
- Assure failsafe communication methods between supervisors and employees.
Employee Right-to-Know
All employees working in high heat conditions must know their rights:
- Freedom to exercise their rights to a heat stress-free workplace without retaliation
- Access to first aid and emergency response procedures
- The employer’s responsibility to provide water, shade, cool-down rests, and access to first aid
- The employer’s use of acclimatization methods and principles
Responding to Heat-Related Illnesses
- Never order employees back to work if they exhibit symptoms of a heat illness.
- Notify a supervisor or appropriate individual with first aid training.
- For heat stroke, follow the emergency procedure in the heat stress prevention plan.
- The individual giving care must:
- Move the affected person to a cool, shaded area.
- Loosen or remove any heavy clothing.
- Provide cool (but not cold) drinking water.
- Fan and mist the person with water.