Heat Stress & Illness - Prevention

Of course, the best way to prevent heat stress and illness is to lower the temperatures in the work environment. Since this is not always possible, employers should take actions to protect their workers from heat stress, as follows:

• Train workers to recognize heat stress symptoms and ways to prevent and treat them.
• Slowly acclimate new or returning workers to extreme temperature conditions.
• Provide workers with plenty of water in convenient locations. The water temperature should be 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Workers should drink about one cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Exceeding 48 cups of water in a 24-hour period is dangerous and may warrant a more robust heat illness prevention program.
• Remind workers to drink water frequently to remain hydrated.
• Instruct workers that their urine should be clear or lightly colored.
• Encourage workers to eat regularly.
• Encourage workers to wear hats and light-colored clothing.
• Set up a buddy system for workers to check for signs of heat stress and to verify that water and shade is being used.
• Reduce the physical demands placed upon workers and schedule frequent rest and water breaks.
• Monitor weather reports and be extra vigilant during heat waves.
• Provide air conditioning or increased ventilation when possible.

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