WATER. REST. SHADE.
Keeping Workers Safe in the Heat
OSHA's Campaign
OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have learned how to protect workers from heat. Our safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.
Dangers of Working in the Heat
Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
Employer Responsibility to Protect Workers
Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
- Provide workers with water, rest and shade.
- Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
- Monitor workers for signs of illness.
- NEW US Department of Labor announces enhanced, expanded measures to protect workers from hazards of extreme heat, indoors and out. OSHA News Release, (September 20, 2021).
- COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working Outdoors in Hot and Humid Conditions. OSHA, (September 2020).
- COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working Indoors in Hot and Humid Conditions. OSHA, (September 2020).
Resources
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know - including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training. The page also includes resources for specific industries and OSHA workplace standards. Also look for heat illness educational and training materials on our Publications page.
Heat Illness Infographics (English and Spanish versions)
Prevent heat illness at work. Ease into work. Nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat illness happen during the first week of work. Build a tolerance to heat by increasing intensity by 20% each day. Drink cool water even if you are not thirsty. Rest for long enough to recover from the heat. Take breaks in a shady or cool area. Wear a hat and dress for the heat. Watch out for each other. Verbally check on workers wearing face coverings.
Consejos para Prevenir las Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor en el Trabajo. Modere su actividad. Casi 3 de cada 4 muertes por el calor ocurren durante la primera semana de trabajo. Desarrolle una tolerancia al calor aumentando la intensidad en un 20% cada día. Beba agua fría aun si no tiene sed. Descanse lo suficiente para recuperarse del calor. Tome descanos bajo la sombra o en un lugar fresco. Use sombrero y ropa adecuada para el calor. Esté pendiente a sus compañeros. Chequee verbalmente a los trabajadores usando mascarilla.
Heat exposure can be dangerous. Signs of a medical emergency: Abnormal thinking or behavior, Slurred speech, Seizures, Loss of consciousness. Take these actions: 1. Call 911 immediately. 2. Cool the worker right away with water or ice. 3. Stay with the worker until help arrives.
La exposición al calor puede ser peligrosa. Los siguientes son señales de una emergencia médica: Pensamiento o comportamiento anormal, dificuldad para hablar, convulsiones, pérdida de conocimiento. Tome estas medidas: 1. Llame al 911 de inmediato. 2. Enfríe inmediatamente a los trabajadores con agua y hielo. 3. Permanezca con el trabajador hasta que llegue la ayuda.
Heat illness signs and symptoms. Watch for signs of heat illness and act quickly. When in doubt, call 911. If worker experiences: headache or nausea; weakness or dizziness; heavy sweating or hot, dry skin; elevated body temperature; thirst, or decreased urine output. Take these actions: give cool water to drink; remove unnecessary clothing; move to a cooler area; cool with water, ice, or a fan; do not leave alone; and seek medical care (if needed).
Señales y síntomas de las enfermendad relacionadas con el calor. Éste atento a signos de enfermadades relacionadas con el calor. En caso de duda, llame al 911. Si el trabajador experimenta: dolor de cabeza o nauseas; debilidad o mareos; sudor abundante o calienta, piel seca; alta temperatura corporal; sed, o disminución del gastro urinario. Tome estas acciones: dar de beber agua fría; Quitar la ropa innecesaria; mover a un área más fresco; enfriar a un ares más fresco; no dejar al trabajador solo; y buscar ayuda médica de ser necesario.