OSHA Recommendations to Protect Workers in a Hot Environment

 

Educational:

(1) Educate workers about the hazards of working in a hot environment.

(2) Instruct workers on how to recognize signs of heat-related illness.

(3) Instruct the workers about weather and work conditions with increased risk.

(4) Instruct the workers on how to avoid becoming dehydrated and what to do if they become dehydrated.

(5) Instruct the workers about the effects of medications and comorbid disease (diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension) on the response to heat exposure.

 

Operational:

(1) Try to acclimatize workers to the hot environment by gradually increasing the time of exposure over several days.

(2) Schedule the workers to work in groups of 2 or more (buddy system).

(3) Try to schedule work during the coolest part of the day.

(4) Monitor the weather for conditions that may increase the risk of working outside, such as high humidity or poor air quality. Cancel nonessential work if the conditions are hazardous.

(5) Provide a shelter for workers to use during breaks, preferably one that is air-conditioned.

(6) Workers with health conditions or medications that have an increased risk for heat-induced disease should be assigned to duties that minimize risk of heat-induced disease.

(7) Provide a means of emergency communication.

(8) Minimize situations with prolonged exposure to direct or reflected sunlight. Provide shading to cover the worksite if possible.

(9) Nonessential repairs and maintenance should be scheduled for cooler times of the year.

 

Support:

(1) Keep workers hydrated with cool beverages.

(2) Avoid drinks containing alcohol.

(3) Let the workers work at their own pace. Be sure workers take regular breaks to cool off.

(4) Avoid exhaustion or excessive fatigue when working.

(5) Watch for danger signs of heat stress.

(6) Make sure that skin is protected either by clothing and/or sunblock.

(7) Workers should wear a sweat barrier while operating critical machinery to prevent sweat from getting in the eyes or sweat affecting the hands.

(8) Make sure workers wear a head covering.

(9) Monitor workers at risk for heat stress such as workers in semi-permeable or impermeable clothing.