Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.
Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others.
Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning outdoor work activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. Featuring real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location, as well as occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool features:
- A visual indicator of the current heat index and associated risk levels specific to your current geographical location;
- Precautionary recommendations specific to heat index-associated risk levels;
- An interactive, hourly forecast of heat index values, risk levels, and recommendations for planning outdoor work activities in advance;
- Editable location, temperature, and humidity controls for calculation of variable conditions; and
- Signs and symptoms and first aid information for heat-related illnesses.
For questions about heat stress, contact Environmental Compliance & Safety at:
- Phone: (662) 840 5945
- Website: https://envirocomp.net/contact/
