Heat Safety Tips from OSHA

The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. If you work outside or in a kitchen, laundry or bakery you may be at increased risk for heat related illness. Use these heat safety tips to take precautions against heat illness:

Heat Safety Tips:

– Drink small amounts of water often
– Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing – cotton is good
– Take frequent short breaks in cool shade
– Eat smaller meals before work activity
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar
– Work in the shade
– Find out if your medications and heat don’t mix
– Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress

Identify Three Heat-Related Illnesses:

There are three kinds of major heat-related disorders: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You need to know how to recognize each one and what first aid treatment is necessary.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
– Headache, dizziness, or fainting
– Weakness and wet skin
– Irritability or confusion
– Thirst, nausea or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
– May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse or have seizures (fits)
– May stop sweating

These heat safety tips are key to working safely in high-temperature environments. Download the OSHA Heat Stress Quick Card (pdf) to learn more and help keep yourself – and your co-workers – safe when the heat is on.