Safe Practice & Precautions

While no one can control the weather, both employers and employees can ensure that safe practices and precautions are implemented when heat stress is possible. There are no OSHA standards for working in hot environments. However, under the OSH Act of 1970, Section 5, Duties, employers shall furnish to each of their employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

In 2005, OSHA investigated 25 incidents of heat stress and illnesses in workers in California. Half of these cases involved workers who had just begun working with the organization, or it was the worker's first day.

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