Watch for Heat-Related Illnesses


Temperatures soared during June and early July in many parts of the country, and the extreme heat could continue throughout the summer. Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions. Because the law requires employers to protect workers from heat illness, here are a few tips to help meet that responsibility.

• Provide workers with water, rest and shade.
• Because nearly three out of four fatalities due to heat illness happen during the first week of work, allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they build tolerance to the heat. Follow the 20% Rule: On the first day, employees should work no more than 20% of the shift’s duration at full intensity in the heat. The duration of time at full intensity should increase by no more than 20% per day until workers are used to working in the heat.
• Recognize the signs of heat hazards – slurred speech, abnormal thinking or behavior, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. If a heat hazard occurs, call 911 immediately, cool the worker with water or ice and stay with them until help arrives.