Employer Training Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the employer to train employees on safe work practices, especially when temperature extremes are involved. Employers can create a tailored approach to training by categorizing training topics by environmental (outdoor) protections and by job-specific (indoor) protections.

Covering topics that are both task specific and environment specific is the most effective way to protect workers from heat-related stress and illness. The training topics may vary, but the following essential information should be covered:

• Risk factors for heat stress
• Types of heat-related stress reactions and illnesses
• Prevention procedures for heat-related stress and illness
• Hydration
• Acclimatization procedures and why they are important
• How to respond to heat-related stress in the field
• Emergency medical services contact procedures and information, including driving directions to medical facilities

At-risk workers

In addition to covering the essential topics in training, it is also important that employers identify the employees who are at a higher risk of heat-related stress illnesses and complications. Informing the workforce on how to evaluate their own risk status is a helpful way to involve your team in their own safety.

Workers who are considered at-risk for heat-related stress reactions and injuries include individuals who experience the following:

• Dehydration
• Poor physical health
• Ongoing health problems
• Diabetes
• Take certain medications
• Pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Obesity
• Alcoholism
• Limit exposure to high temperatures
• Previous heat-related episodes or illness

Employers are required to monitor the physiological well-being of all employees, including those who have been identified as at-risk.

To learn more about Heat Stress visit our Heat Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.